Issuu

[ THE JOURNAL ] VOLUME 48 NUMBER 6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

EDITOR'S LETTER November/December 2023 Volume 48, No. 6 www.ttha.com

Full Speed Ahead for 2023-24 Hunting Seasons

ith the hot summer behind us, and El Niño weather ahead of us, most deer hunters are either in the MLDP permit hunts, or waiting for the regular season to open on Nov. 4. Some hunters will hunt winter doves starting Dec. 15, and a few die-hard dove hunters will hunt until the early season closes on Oct. 29. Hunters using MLDP permits are already hanging a lot of good bucks, especially south of I-10. July and August were hot and dry, but the weather may change to “wet” in the next few months. Past El Niño periods have caused very wet conditions in South Texas, where vehicles were stuck in pastures for weeks or months. The Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are good times to take the kids hunting. Dove and quail shooting may be a little much for young kids, but there’s always a cull buck or fat doe waiting for young hunters who may be shooting their first deer rifle. A good starting age is 12, but I know a few rural kids who started hunting at age 8. Many lucky youngsters are often duck, turkey, dove, and deer hunting by the time they are 10, so take the kids when they ask to go. The Hunters Extravaganzas were exciting in Houston, Fort Worth—yes, we’re back in “Cowtown” after a 1-year jaunt to Dallas—and San Antonio. The annual excitement begins every August when the “Granddaddy of all Hunting Shows” comes to these premier Texas cities. Visitors come from miles around to see the exhibits, enter the deer contest, play with the alligators, take the kids fishing, or attend thoughtful seminars with Dr. Deer, aka James Kroll, or Gary Roberson, Menard County’s premier varmint hunter. A word to the wise about hunting and fishing: There are a lot of rules and regulations, so take care to know “what, when and how” to hunt various game species. Texas has almost twice as many residents as were chasing wild game 50 years ago. Generally speaking, the more people, the more regulations. Deer hunting is generally more liberal these days, but wing-shooting has various bag limits and permits for taking things that fly. With the fall seasons opening to El Niño conditions, it’s difficult to forecast the chances for hunting success. Deer have suffered a dry summer, and antler quality will vary, based on management and supplemental feed. But antlers are not everything, and I have come home several times smiling like a Dallas Democrat with a nice eight-point. The hunt, the shot, and the camaraderie are what counts. A big buck is just “pee on the paddle!” We hope the hunting seasons are good, and that you remember to take the kids hunting. I don’t ever remember a teenager getting into trouble while shooting doves or ducks, or holding a rifle and binoculars in a deer blind.

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Horace Gore TTHA protects, promotes and preserves Texas wildlife resources and hunting heritage for future generations. Founded in 1975, TTHA is a membership-based organization. Its bimonthly magazine, The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters®, is available via membership and newsstands. TTHA hosts the Hunters Extravaganza® outdoor expositions, renowned as the largest whitetail hunting shows in the South. For membership information, please join at www.ttha.com or contact TTHA Membership Services at (877) 261-2541.

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[ THE JOURNAL ] VOLUME 48 NUMBER 6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

CONTENTS FEATURES 18 Dr. Deer’s Prescription

| By Dr. James Kroll

22 A Salute To Texas Deer Hunters, Part II | By Horace Gore

26 A Long Time Coming | By Judy Jurek

38 Strange Things I’ve Seen as a Hunting Guide | By Gary Roberson

46 Palo Duro Bucks | By Brandon Ray

56 Winter On The Coast | By Will Leschper

76 Predator Calls & Accessories | By John Goodspeed

102

81 2023 Hunters Extravaganza Deer Competition Results 98 Ten Years in the Making | By Jason Shipman

102 Mule Deer of the Desert Southwest | By Jim Heffelfinger

120 Up on A Stump | By Horace Gore

134 Journal Article Index

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CONTENTS

[ THE JOURNAL ] VOLUME 48 NUMBER 6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

COLUMNS 10 Hunting Pioneers 14 Fence Posts 34 Beyond the Hunt 61 Voice of Texas Hunting 62 Nuge’s Soundboard 66 Must Haves 71 Jr. Trophy Hunters Corner 106 The Draw

110 Next Generation 114 Campfire Tales 118 Texas Women in the Outdoors 128 Kamp Kitchen 129 Feeding Times/ Moon Phases

106

ON THE COVER Photo By: Jason Shipman

MEMBER STORIES 30 The Battle for the Spot Above the Mantle | By McKenna Ehlert

42 Kansas Public Land Buck

| By Thomas Davidson

130 Hunt’s End

52 Fifteen Minutes and a Lifetime of Memories

This incredible Atascosa County whitetail might be the biggest buck in that county.

| By Wade Dixon

94 Lucky Draw

| By Kenny Rogers

The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters, 1982 ISSN-08941602, is published bimonthly (a total of 6 issues) by The Texas Trophy Hunters Association Ltd., 700 E. Sonterra Blvd., Suite 1206, San Antonio, TX 78258, Phone (210) 523-8500. All rights reserved. Periodical postage paid in San Antonio, Texas, and Additional Mailing Offices. Subscriptions: $35 per year includes membership in TTHA. Phone (210) 523-8500. Advertising: For information on rates, deadlines, mechanical requirements, etc., call (210) 523-8500. Insertion of advertising in this publication is a service to the readers and no endorsement or guarantees by the publisher are expressed or implied. Published material reflects the views of individual authors and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the association. Contributions: should be sent via email to editor@ttha.com, or mailed to the Editor, Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters, 700 E. Sonterra Blvd., Suite 1206, San Antonio, TX 78258. They must be accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope or return postage, and the publisher assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to unsolicited materials. Any material accepted is subject to revision as is necessary in our sole discretion to meet the requirements of our publication. The act of mailing a manuscript and/or material shall constitute an express warranty by the contributor that the material is original and in no way an infringement upon the rights of others. Photographs can either be RAW, TIFF, or JPEG formats, and should be high resolution and at least 300 dpi. All photographs submitted for publication in “Hunt’s End” become the sole property of the Texas Trophy Hunters Association Ltd. Moving? Please send notice of address change (new and old address) 6 weeks in advance to Texas Trophy Hunters Association, P.O. Box 3000, Big Sandy, TX 75755-9918. POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters, Texas Trophy Hunters Association, P.O. Box 3000, Big Sandy, TX 75755-9918.

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WE ARE TTHA

It’s Never Too Late To Deer Hunt

[ THE JOURNAL ]

VOLUME 48 NUMBER 6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

lenda Bullard didn’t start hunting until she was 77 years old. Her son brought her a crossbow. She started practicing in her backyard and was hooked! She now uses a .243 and has entered her bucks at the Annual Deer Competition at our Hunters Extravaganzas for the last several years. So far, she’s won a

fourth place, a third place, and this past August won second place. She will be 90 years old next year and has her sights set on winning first place. Congratulations, Glenda. We can’t wait to see what you bring in next year! See all deer contest results starting on page 81.

Mystery Creature Caught on Camera

THA Platinum Life Member Tina Kahlig is an avid hunter and outdoors woman who’s T seen quite a few animals. But she never expected to see and photograph a strange looking animal right in her own backyard in north Bexar County. Kahlig told the San Antonio Express-News the animal was attracted to fruit on the wild persimmon tree in her yard. Kahlig took pictures and posted them on Nextdoor. Afterwards, her photo went viral. The newspaper reported Hill Country Village city officials sent the pictures to game wardens in the area, who said it could be a coyote, and our own Horace Gore said it’s probably a mangy dog. “Whatever it is, it’s so big. I’ve never seen a coyote that big before,” Kahlig told the newspaper. “It’s something I’ve never seen before, and it spooked me for just a second. We’ll see if it comes back.”

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BRIAN HAWKINS By Horace Gore

rian Hawkins of Abilene is a pioneer of our hunting heritage. He has been producing outdoor television for most of his 65 years, but it didn’t start that way. “I grew up in a non-hunting family in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, a place that makes Austin look conservative!” he said. “I didn’t even know anyone who hunted, but that was what I dreamed about whenever I saw a mounted deer head in a hardware store or butcher shop. As far back as I can remember, I thought of how exciting it would be to one day go deer hunting.” Brian and his family moved to Lubbock when he was in junior high. After high school in 1977, he worked at a local TV station while attending Texas Tech University. Brian met two guys at the TV station who took him night hunting for coyotes. “Those spotlight hunts were the most exciting things I had ever done,” Brian said. “After graduation from Texas Tech, I got a job with a TV station in Dallas, and not long afterwards I met Murry Burnham, the famous predator caller. Murry took me on my first deer hunt, and I killed a doe. And he also taught me how to call varmints in the daylight. “Murry introduced me to Gary Roberson. Gary took me on my first buck hunt—rattling up a 10-point—which I immediately shot. There I was with Gary Roberson in Menard, Texas, on Cloud 9, with my first buck. I was 29 years old. “Gary bought Burnham Brothers from Murry Burnham in 1991, and later introduced me to Jerry Johnston. In my first conversation with Jerry, who created Texas Trophy Hunters, I said, ‘Jerry, I’ve been doing TV since 1977, and I think you need a television show.”

Award-winning videographer Brian Hawkins.

Jerry liked the TV idea, but it took five years to get a show on the air in 1998. The program featured TTHA members and their stories, not a celebrity-driven outdoor show like most of the fare on television at the time. “In 2002, The Journal of Texas Trophy Hunters TV (as the TV show was called) blazed a new trail in outdoor television when I went with Jerry Johnston, Gene Riser, James Kroll and Horace Photos courtesy of Brian Hawkins

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Pass

the

Brian Hawkins meticulously prepares for the eventual camera shot which will capture his subject in his lens.

Torch

Do your part to preserve our hunting heritage. Share your passion with the next generation. Pass the torch.

Some entries from the TTHA Deer Competition

Gore to Wisconsin at the outbreak of chronic wasting disease, and filmed the entire deer disease fiasco,” Brian said. “The disease had been found in wild deer, and I videoed the misguided effort up there. Political leaders and even biologists trying to convince the public that deer hunting in America was doomed!” The television coverage won national acclaim and the “Golden Moose” award from the Outdoor Channel. That episode even played on the floor of Wisconsin’s state Senate chambers in Madison. The TV series did well for several years, and some of Brian’s best days producing the series were spent with Lanny Vinson on the McLemore Ranch in Shackelford County. The 12,000-acre cattle ranch on the Clear Fork of the Brazos was home to white-tailed deer, Rio Grande turkey, feral hogs, coyotes and bobcats. Brian met his lovely wife Ninette at Lanny’s camp house on a weekend jaunt. Lanny speculated that they might get married. Having spent a lot of time with Brian, I blurted out, “I’ll buy you a new truck the day Brian says, ‘I do.’” I lost the wager, and Lanny let me off the hook about the truck. Hawkins never became an employee of TTHA but produced the show as an independent contractor. In addition to www.TTHA www. TTHA.com .com

The Journal, he travelled the world for Neiman-Marcus in the early days, on the production team for countless network productions. I heard him say many times, “I can take 30 seconds of video and make a 30-minute episode!” Now, Brian is trying to retire after his award-winning work with Bob Phillips for 34 years on the syndicated series, “Texas Country Reporter.” Also, since that first meeting with Jerry Johnston in 1993, Brian has passed his knowledge and skills in videography onto many others now working full-time in outdoor television. Brian continues to coordinate production of “Carnivore,” a predator hunting show with Gary and Steve Roberson on Pursuit Channel. He’s also working on a production for Amazon titled “Desert Doc,” about a nationally known emergency physician who covers an area of 38,000 square miles of dangerous oil fields and highways out of Medical Center Hospital in Odessa. Through the years, Brian has been a longtime friend and partner of Texas Trophy Hunters. He still comes to the Hunters Extravaganzas to visit with old friends, and we’re proud to call him a pioneer of our hunting heritage.

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[ THE JOURNAL ] VOLUME 48 NUMBER 6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

HUNTING NEWS

FENCE POSTS

NEWS ABOUT HUNTING, GUN RIGHTS, AND LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Insight Into 2023-24 Deer Season Texas deer hunting is a booming business. A report released in May by Texas A&M’s Natural Resources Institute estimates approximately 555,000 hunters spend nearly $2 billion each year on white-tailed deer hunting in Texas while 200,000 landowners spend about $2.5 billion. A&M used hunter and landowner questionnaires to gather its data, which yielded these insights: • The top five most common expenditures for hunters are licenses, transportation, meals, shooting equipment and feed/feeders. The five largest are outfitter/guide fees, lease fees, lodging, land management and feed/feeders. The average lease fee was $2,904 and each hunter spends a total of $3,348 annually on deer hunting. • More than half (52%) hunt land owned by family or friends. Another portion (41%) hunt on leases and the rest use public land (5%) and outfitters (2%). • Landowners spend an average of $18,812 and bring in $20,658 in revenue. The top five most common expenses are supplemental feed, property taxes, land management, equipment maintenance and capital improvements. The five largest are payroll, land management, supplemental feed, hospitality and property taxes. Landowners spend an average of $3,593 per year on supplemental feed. In looking toward another Texas deer season, it’s clear that regardless of quantity or quality of the herd you’re hunting, big bucks will continue to be spent on big bucks. Alan Cain, white-tailed deer program leader for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, said the Texas deer outlook is always good in terms of the 14 | November/December 2023

population, which continues to rest at more than 5 million animals across the state. The highest densities and harvests of both whitetail bucks and does always rest in the Edwards Plateau region that encompasses the Hill Country and part of Central Texas. Cain notes that surveys conducted by biologists have shown that in recent years, the vast majority of the Texas buck harvest is composed of deer that are 3½ or 4½ years old. “That shows hunters are not killing a bunch of young bucks and they’re letting them walk, and it’s also in part to the antler restrictions we have in many counties,” Cain said. “I also think a large part in what we see today from our surveys is most hunters and landowners are taking more of an interest in deer management, which is a good thing for everyone involved with deer.” Anecdotally, many hunters saw a decrease in both antler quality and overall numbers in many traditional hunting hot spots such as the Hill Country last season. That was due in large part to lingering extreme drought that saw little to no rainfall for most of the year. Without adequate rain at the right times, deer start off with a deficit and sometimes end up scratching to get by, which can decrease both headgear and body size, Cain noted. In some areas of the Hill Country, the deer densities are more than 200 per 1,000 acres, Cain said, and when range conditions are poor, those numbers can drop due to the carrying capacity of forage not being sustainable. “We always recommend hunters to use their tags, especially doe tags, in those

areas with higher numbers,” Cain said. “It’s always tough to predict exactly how the season will play out ahead of time, but things are all looking good for us to have another great season across the state.” —Will Leschper

Emergency Rules Adopted for Movement of Breeder Deer In response to continued positive detections of chronic wasting disease in deer breeding facilities, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department adopted an emergency rule on July 25, implementing additional movement and testing restrictions for white-tailed deer in deer breeding facilities. Since June, TPWD has received confirmation of CWD in deer breeding facilities in three counties: Brooks, Frio and Zavala. In 2023 alone, CWD has been detected in nine deer breeding facilities in seven counties. A total of 14 counties have had positive detections since March 2021. “Since 2021, we have seen an increase in CWD detections from breeder deer at an unprecedented rate,” said John Silovsky, Wildlife Division Director for TPWD. “It’s our hope that these emergency rules will strengthen our surveillance and reduce the number of CWD positive detections across the state.” This emergency order amends Chapter 31 TAC §65.95, relating to Movement of Breeder Deer. The change requires all breeder deer to be ante-mortem (live-animal) tested for CWD, with a test result of “Not Detected,” before transferring to another deer breeding facility or release site. These changes will be in effect for 120 days, but may be extended an ad-

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HUNTING NEWS ditional 60 days. Additionally, the department has determined that to expedite and facilitate epidemiological investigations, it is necessary to prohibit the removal of identification tags under any circumstance other than allowed by statute. The ability to quickly locate and test breeder deer transferred to a release facility is critical to determining the likelihood of disease transmission. —courtesy TPWD

Jeff Hildebrand Appointed as TPWC Chairman, William Doggett Appointed to Commission Gov. Greg Abbott named Jeff Hildebrand to chair the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Aug. 24 and appointed William “Leslie” Doggett as a commission member. Both appointments are effective Aug. 31, with Doggett’s term set to expire Feb. 1, 2029. “Chairman Aplin has been a devoted steward of our agency and its mission to preserve the wild things and wild places of Texas,” said Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Executive Director David Yoskowitz, Ph.D. “I thank him for the steady and thoughtful guidance he has provided me over the past year, and know we will be in good hands as Commissioner Hildebrand steps into the

Jeff Hildebrand

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VOLUME 48 NUMBER 6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

chairman’s role.” Abbott also thanked Chairman Aplin for his service to the state of Texas in a press release. “Arch ‘Beaver’ Aplin provided steadfast leadership as Chair of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission for the past two years,” Abbott said. “I thank him for faithfully serving his fellow Texans to preserve the beautiful Texas landscape that spurs our booming tourism industry and protects our state’s rich history. Jeff Hildebrand and William Doggett both bring unique experiences to the Commission and will help ensure that Texans, and out-of-state visitors alike, continue to enjoy Texas’ outdoors and recreational activities for generations to come.” Doggett, of Houston, is executive chairman and founder of the Doggett Equipment Services Group and the Doggett Auto Group with 47 dealerships throughout Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and New Mexico. He is a member of the World Presidents Organization, former president of the Houston Equipment Distributors Association, and a former director for the John Deere North American Dealer Board and the Toyota Material Handling Dealer Board. Additionally, he is a trustee of the Houston Methodist Research & Academic Institute, The Kinkaid School, San Jacinto Monument and Texas History Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston – Rienzi. Doggett received a Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin. Hildebrand, of Houston, is the executive chairman and founder of Hilcorp Energy Company. He is a member of All American Wildcatters, National Petroleum Council, and the Houston Geological Society. He is a director of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Central Houston Civil Improvement and the Central Houston, Inc. Additionally, he is a member of the Houston Police Foundation Board of Directors and a trustee of the Texas Foundation for Conservation. He was the former chairman of The University of Texas/Texas A&M Investment Management Company and former gubernato-

rial appointee for the UT System Board of Regents, where he served as vice chair. Hildebrand received a Bachelor of Science in Geology and a Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering from UT Austin —courtesy TPWD

TPW Commission Adopts Policy Limiting Use of Eminent Domain The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopted a policy limiting its use of eminent domain during the commission’s August meeting, which limits the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department from taking private property for park sites except under exceptional and unusual circumstances, mainly property previously dedicated to public use as a park. “Given its significant potential impact on private landowners, our commissioners chose to limit TPWD’s use of eminent domain to ensure it will be used exceedingly sparingly and only under specified circumstances,” said previous Commission Chairman Arch “Beaver” Aplin III. “The policy is clear: TPWD will not use eminent domain to condemn residences, farms or ranches.” Parks and Wildlife Code (section 21.103) authorizes TPWD to acquire park sites through condemnation with payment of fair market value compensation to the landowner. —courtesy TPWD

SCI, SAF File Intent to Sue Department of Education On Aug. 11, 2023, Safari Club International, along with the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation, sent a notice of intent to sue the Department of Education over the Department’s misinterpretation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), which would prohibit the use of federal funds for shooting sports, hunter education, and outdoor education programs in schools. Co-sponsors and authors of the BSCA have repeatedly confirmed that it was not intended to restrict funding for these programs. Rather, these programs are vital to helping students find safe and healthy outlets—and to develop a love of the

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[ THE JOURNAL ] VOLUME 48 NUMBER 6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

outdoors. SCI and SAF’s notice of intent to sue warns the Department that its interpretation of the BSCA is arbitrary and capricious, in violation of federal law. It requests a response within 10 days, or the organizations will have no choice but to file suit. These shooting sports and hunter education programs are far too important to allow this funding uncertainty to continue. “SCI is disheartened by the Administration’s lack of urgency in correcting their misinterpretation of the BSCA,” said Ben Cassidy, SCI EVP of International Government and Public Affairs. “Congress has repeatedly confirmed that this was not the BSCA’s intent. The Department must understand there are consequences for ignoring the crucial role these programs play in helping kids learn new skills, enjoy the outdoors, and understand the importance of conservation.” “SCI Foundation has been dedicated to providing shooting sports and outdoor education programs since 1976,” said SCI and SCI Foundation CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. “Nearly 7,000 educators have been trained in conservation/outdoor education and shooting sports, reaching over 1 million children nationwide. In addition, the Foundation, as well as SCI chapters, have invested millions of dollars in funding archery, hunter education, and outdoor education in schools. The Department’s incorrect interpretation of this the BSCA has put all those programs in jeopardy.” In addition to a suit, SCI is working with members of Congress to amend the law, to ensure misinterpretations like this cannot happen again. SCI’s Hunter Advocacy Action Center alert provides a direct link to contact Members of Congress, to demand urgent change. The Department of Education issued guidance on the BSCA to schools, stating that federal funds may not be used for training “any person,” including teachers or students, in “the use of a dangerous weapon.” The Department’s interpretation of the BSCA—a law intended to make schools safer by providing greater mental health support to students—would prohibit the use of federal 16 | November/December 2023

HUNTING NEWS

Elementary and Secondary Education Act funding for supporting any program that includes archery or firearms training. This includes National Archery in Schools programs, as well as hunter education. —courtesy SCI

SCI Submits Comments to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service SCI has been busy submitting comments to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding the Endangered Species Act and National Wildlife Refuge System. First, SCI opposed a proposal to reinstate the “blanket rule” for threatened species. The blanket rule imposes all the same prohibitions (on take, import, etc.) as for endangered species. SCI explained, with specific reference to legislative history of the ESA, how this proposal contradicts Congressional intent in creating two listing categories and requiring the Service to adopt special regulations for threatened species. SCI used two examples to demonstrate how application of the blanket rule can have detrimental impacts and disincentivize the conservation of foreign species by creating barriers to import. Second, SCI largely opposed a proposal to remove any mention of economic or other impacts from listing rules, and to revise the regulation identifying grounds for removing a species from the ESA lists. The proposed rule rolls back changes made in the prior Administration. SCI objected to the proposal because the existing regulations make clear, first, that ESA listings can have negative impacts as well as positive ones, and second, that the ESA’s goal is to delist species as soon as possible. Last, SCI submitted comments on the proposed 2023 Hunt Fish Rule, which proposes to expand hunting on three National Wildlife Refuges (3,000 acres total). SCI supports that expansion. However, SCI pointed out that the Service could and should do more to open and expand hunting on refuges, especially since conservation groups have submitted lists of potential openings that were not addressed in the proposed rule. Further, SCI’s comments objected to a proposal to phase out the use of lead ammunition and tackle on eight refuges, which was originally announced in last

year’s rule. The comments criticize these lead restrictions for being unnecessary, as no scientific evidence demonstrates any negative impacts from use of lead ammunition or tackle on these refuges. SCI also objected because lead restrictions are likely to reduce hunter participation and access, with detrimental consequences for wildlife management and conservation funding. —courtesy SCI

High Fence Keeps Norwegian Reindeer out of Russia Norway has to rebuild a dilapidated reindeer fence along its border with Russia in the Arctic to stop the animals from wandering into the neighboring country and prevent costly compensation to Moscow over loss of grassland. Norwegian officials said so far this year, 42 reindeer have crossed into Russia seeking better pastures and grazing land. The Norwegian Agriculture Agency said a stretch of about 4 miles between the Norwegian towns of Hamborgvatnet and Storskog would be replaced. The construction, with a price tag of 3.7 million kroner ($348,000), would be completed by Oct. 1, the agency said. Russia has sent a claim asking for a lump sum of nearly 47 million kroner ($4.4 million) in total for the days the animals grazed in the park, which consists mostly of lakes, rivers, forests and marshland. The reindeer have been recovered and slaughtered out of fear that they may wander back to Russia, Norwegian representative Magnar Evertsen said. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority may demand the carcasses be destroyed for safety reasons, the government body said in a statement. The reindeer are herded by the Indigenous Sami people in central and Arctic Norway. Formerly known as the Lapps, the Sami are believed to have originated in Central Asia and settled with their reindeer herds in Arctic Europe around 9,000 years ago. They traditionally live in Lapland, which stretches from northern parts of Norway through Sweden and Finland to Russia. Across the Arctic region, the majority live on the Norwegian side of the border. —courtesy Associated Press

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Living With Drought Nothing new to deer management By Dr. James C. Kroll

was a youngster during the 1950s, one of the hottest and driest periods in modern American history. My grandfathers were farmers and ranchers in central Texas, trying to claw out a living on the Blackland soils along the eastern edge of what once was the Great Plains. Even then, drought was nothing new because my great-grandfathers had survived the Dust Bowl days of 1930s. According to experts (www.drought. gov), droughts of various severity and duration were frequent over the last 2,000 years. Between 1895-2010, the average annual occurrence of drought included about 14% of the continent, the longest of which were during the 1930s, 1950s, and 2011. I remember going with my paternal grandfather twice a day to the Brazos River in 1957 to haul water 20 miles back to Riesel, Texas, for his cattle. My maternal grandfather went broke during that same time, because he just could not make a crop of cotton, corn, or milo. And, humans were not the only casualties, because the Edwards Plateau whitetail herd plummeted. I remember seeing a film produced by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department—then Texas Game & Fish Commission— on the plight of the Hill Country deer herd. The image of a scrawny doe, her ribs showing, staggering through the juniper and bare rocks and falling down, will forever be etched into my memory. I hoped to never again see such conditions, but then came the “Millennial Drought” of 2011 when large areas of the

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state went up in flames. Who can forget the charred remains of homes around Bastrop? It was so dry that year here at the Institute for Whitetailed Deer Management & Research, we were afraid to walk in the woods, because the crunching leaves and twigs might create a spark. It also was the year we vowed to focus our future research on strategies for managing deer under these conditions. In this issue, I will present some of our most productive results.

THE limiting factor In the 19th century, two German plant scientists, Carl Sprengel and Justus Von Liebig, independently developed a scientific “Law,” known today as the Law of the Minimum. Although it can be defined in many terms, my best explanation is that, if we enumerate all the factors that affect the productivity of a plant or animal community, there usually will be just one that has the greatest impact; hence, the term “minimum.” Until that one factor is made better, you cannot expect the system to work at peak efficiency. This certainly applies to managing whitetailed deer. Although there are areas where a single nutrient such as phosphorus might turn out to be that one factor, in more cases than not, it is water that takes the prize. Water is the basis of all life, serving as a universal solvent for moving nutrients into cells, and a thermal buffer for extreme

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Author photos

The author notes that water serves as a universal solvent for moving nutrients into cells and as a thermal buffer for extreme conditions. Yet, he says, water is the most ignored life requisite of wildlife. Storage tanks like the one at right can feed troughs below them.

conditions. Yet, water is the most ignored life requisite of wildlife. I often hear someone declare water is not a problem where he lives because it’s everywhere on the landscape. But is it really? That may be the case during some years, but there are few places where sooner or later, drought is a harsh reality. During the Millennial Drought of 2011, landowners called me asking where their deer were. Whitetails seldom migrate, but the one thing that will make them do it is a lack of water. I told them to find the nearest water, and there would be their deer. They reported back that was indeed the case. A whitetail can go up to 10-14 days without food, but only a day or two without water. The rumen of a whitetail holds as much as two gallons, in which are suspended plant materials in various states of digestion by a host of organisms ranging from protozoans to fungi. Keeping the proper environment in the rumen is a must for a deer. So, how do we keep water readily available and how should it be distributed? East of IH-35, deer should have one reliable water source per 80 acres and west of this area, one per 160-200 acres. In a drought, you cannot necessarily rely on a man-made pond for water. The water in a pond comes from runoff, and the amount of water you can

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The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters — THE VOICE OF TEXAS HUNTING®

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“trap” depends on the size of the watershed on your land. Even when there is an adequate watershed, lack of rainfall will affect the reliability of the impoundment. Then there are physical limitations on the number of locations suitable for pond con-

struction, not to mention the cost. As drought ensues, the number of ponds still holding water declines, concentrating animals around them. This creates social conflicts, increased predation and something seldom considered—disease. Contrary to what you might read, the No. 1 killers of white-tailed deer are Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) and its cousin Bluetongue (BT). These are viral diseases vectored by biting midges (gnats) that emerge in early evening from the mud created by drying ponds, to feed on the skin around a deer’s stomach. Sick deer, consumed by high fever, come to the ponds to cool off; providing an opportunity for gnats to spread these diseases.

A simple solution

The author notes that plastic troughs, either standing alone or connected to storage tanks, are the most effective way to water deer. A 30- to 50-gallon trough will provide enough water for five to six deer.

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Since 2011, we have studied and tested the design, utility and economics of providing “artificial” water to deer and other wildlife. The simple, most effective solution is to use plastic troughs, either standing alone or connected to storage tanks on nearby higher ground. A simple tank holding 350400 gallons, PVC pipe or tubing and a float valve is all that is needed to keep a trough filled. We found a 30-50-gallon trough will provide enough water for five to six deer, even more if connected to a storage tank. Each trough should be located in a shady area, as deer stop drinking water when the temperature exceeds 90° F. We do not recommend you bury the trough to ground level, because it’s the best way I know of drowning fawns. Managers of the endangered Florida Key deer learned that the hard way when they discovered fawns fell into drainage ditches cut into the limestone of the islands. Also, we recommend placing a stick or two in each trough so small animals that may fall in can climb out. How do you fill your troughs and storage tanks? In Mexico, we go to the considerable expense of running water lines across ranches to service the troughs, fed by wells and pumps. On small properties, we just use additional storage tanks or some of those square Poly cubes you see everywhere, and a $200 gasoline water pump. The tank is placed in the back of a pickup or a UTV and carried to the storage tanks or troughs. Remember, water weighs 8.34 pounds per gallon, so a 300-gallon storage tank weighs 2,502 pounds. An even cheaper way is to purchase 5-7-gallon water cans and carry them out with your vehicle. You can count on your deer drinking about a halfgallon of water per day, so a 50-gallon trough will support 100 deer-days. We keep records on each of our troughs, then develop a watering schedule that assures water is always available. How important is supplemental water? We have doubled our recruitment using the recommended system of water troughs or watering stations and have reduced death loss of our deer from hemorrhagic disease. If someone had $450 for deer management on their land, I would suggest the best use of that money would be a water station. I hope this has convinced you to adopt water management into your program.

The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters — THE VOICE OF TEXAS HUNTING®

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22 | November/December 2023

The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters — THE VOICE OF TEXAS HUNTING®

Author Photos

The author with the landowner and a Panhandle mule deer taken with a .224 TTH rifle, circa 2005.

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Editor’s Note: Texas deer hunting has a long history, going back to the days of shotguns and dogs. This short, two-part treatise will bring back memories to older hunters and possibly enlighten younger aficionados of the Texas deer hunting fraternity. You might want to take notes.

1983 was a banner year for Texas hunters and anglers. The legislature passed the Uniform Wildlife Regulatory Act, which placed all county game and fish regulations under the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. This authority gave way to advanced fish and wildlife research and management that would improve hunting and fishing all over the state. As deer herds increased, so did the increase of antlerless deer permits. By 1980, deer reproduction outgrew harvests, and antlerless permits became more liberal. By 1990, permits were omitted in many counties, and both bucks and antlerless deer were harvested by using hunting license tags. The state deer harvest was up to 700,000, with that many hunters and a bag limit of four deer, two bucks. In East Texas, deer hunting was changing from using dogs to using blinds. In 1990, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission abolished the use of dogs to chase deer, causing a fervor among East Texans, who had used dogs for a century. Research on dogs showed their use was detrimental to deer herds and deer hunting, and the practice was unacceptable to the majority of hunters who “still-hunted” from blinds. By 1995, “Trophy Management” were key words in whitetail circles, and ways were improving toward high quality deer. A proposal was introduced to harvest cull bucks before they could breed does. This management scheme developed into Managed Land Deer Program (MLDP) permits, which gave liberal seasons and bag limits to landowners who provided specific habitat improvements for whitetails. MLDP permits and a special season caused a jump in both buck and doe harvests. This new hunting scheme was approved in 1997 for both high-fence and low fenced properties. Now, after 30 years, MLDP permits are favored by some 10,000 landowners and serve the majority of deer hunters.

exas has a long history of white-tailed deer hunting that goes back to the late 19th century. Back then, there were few enforceable game laws or law enforcement, and dogs were legal for chasing deer. Shotguns with buckshot were the principal firearms, and the bag limit depended on the persistence of the hunter. When dogs and shotguns were used, it was common to shoot and then go see what you had killed. Four game wardens were working on the Texas coast as early as 1895. In 1903, a bag limit of six fork-antlered whitetails could be taken during November and December. In 1907, Game was added to the Fish and Oyster Commission, and the first hunting license was sold in 1909. The Texas population was just over three million. In 1919, six game wardens were hired to enforce the game and fish laws, and by 1928 the number had increased to 80. In 1933, National forests were established on 500,000 acres of pine timber in East Texas, and residents were moved to outlying areas. Important changes in deer seasons and bag limits continually advanced, and in 1923 the Texas Legislature set a general season of Nov. 16 to Dec. 31, with a bag limit of two forkedantler bucks. The first whitetail restocking occurred in 1932, when wardens in the Hill Country took confiscated fawns to East Texas. Texas Game and Fish magazine was first published by the Game, Fish and Oyster Department in 1942. The 1970s brought emphasis to quality deer and hunting. Battery-operated spinner corn feeders became common on deer leases, as did mineral blocks to supplement deer. Several large deer contests were promoting trophy bucks, and Jerry Johnston founded the Texas Trophy Hunters Association. The Hunters Extravaganzas in Houston, Fort Worth, and San Antonio put even more emphasis on quality deer hunting. TPWD’s headquarters moved from downtown Austin in October 1975, after the new headquarters on Smith School Road was completed, and officially announced in early 1976. This complex set of buildings (then rural) in south Austin combined most of the services of TPWD that had been scattered around the Austin area. Operation Game Thief was initiated in 1981 to help control fish and wildlife poaching. Texas Trophy Hunters was there to hold fund raising banquets. Jerry Johnston and Nolan Ryan headed The author’s friend, Dixie Kaye, with a Kimble County buck taken with her up the many hosts who contributed custom .257 Roberts rifle. $350,000 to OGT from three successful banquets in the San Antonio area.

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of deer habitat east of the Pecos is filled to capacity. Hunters presently number some 800,000, and the average take of whitetails is one per hunter, the highest in the Lower 48. Today’s deer hunters look for access to hunting on private property, which is the limiting factor for increasing deer hunting. The use of MLDP permits, along with intensive management techniques have placed Texas as the most progressive quality deer management state in the nation. Genetic improvements, supplemental protein, and harvest strategies have improved deer quality by leaps and bounds. Where intensely managed 160 B&C bucks won the prize in 1980, the better bucks today measure closer to 200 B&C. The current deer industry is valued at $2 billion. Texas residents are growing, with some 10 million new “Texans” since 2000. Deer hunters are not among this increase, because the new residents live in urban areas, and do not hunt. The majority of urban residents have other priorities that do not include the outdoors. For this reason, only 6% of hunting-age residents buy a hunting license, and only 4% deer hunt. Texans can fish almost anywhere, but trespass laws prevent hunting without permission. Many of the 90% urban residents have no interest in hunting, while others who might want to hunt have no communication with the 10% of rural Texans who control hunting access. This lack of access and interest in deer hunting for a growing urban population continues, while Texas deer hunting remains the best in the nation.

Dave Boisvert Illustration

Present permits allow for buck and doe harvest with no tag from a hunting license. These liberal bag limits have resulted in an increased whitetail harvest to 800,000 (16%), with another 6% lost to natural and man-made mortality. Texas has the highest deer harvest in the nation. Hunting leases have been historic in Texas. The major deer lease areas were the Edwards Plateau and South Texas. Much of the newly stocked whitetail habitat had produced enough deer to open seasons after 1960. When hunting seasons opened after the mandatory five years of closed season, deer hunting became more popular, and hunting leases reached a peak from the Pineywoods to the Pecos. In 1963, half of the state’s deer hunting was free. Many times I’ve heard a landowner say, “Well, we’ll be seeing all the relatives soon. When deer season opens they will all come with big smiles, carrying their deer rifles and ice chests.” Some landowners told me they leased their property, not for the money, but to turn off the free hunters. By 1970, a major part of the deer range was leased for hunting. Of course, landowners reserved hunting for family and friends. Some counties had one-buck limits, which included spike bucks. As deer increased, so did the bag limits to two bucks, but still included spikes. By 1975, deer populations were growing, and surpassing annual harvest. Deer conservation was over, and harvest management definitely took the scene. As noted previously, all manner of deer harvest has been used to control deer numbers, and non-hunting mortality continues to be high. To date, most of the 100 million acres

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The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters — THE VOICE OF TEXAS HUNTING®

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Author Photos

Veterans Joseph Sperandio (left) and Richard “Dick” Chaltry, standing alongside Trinity Oaks Volunteer Manager James Hauke (center), were treated to a hunt by the organization on the Thumbtack Ranch near Batesville.

his is a story of two hunters enjoying a most memorable Texas hunt. Two longtime friends who still ride bicycles and imbibe a bit of Tito’s together are from another era – those who served our country during World War II. There are only a handful still living, and with dignity and pleasure, Trinity Oaks and the Thumbtack Ranch played host to these most distinguished veterans.

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Covering 2,000 acres in Zavala County, the Thumbtack Ranch has many times been cited as a sportsmen’s paradise. Owned by the non-profit Trinity Oaks organization, it offers outdoor activities for a variety of people including terminally ill children and combat veterans. It’s the first United States ranch designated as a Purple Heart Ranch by the National Military Order of the Purple Heart.

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Richard “Dick” Chaltry and Joseph Sperandio were the recipients of a special hunt. They were flown by private jet from Houston to San Antonio where they boarded a helicopter for the ride to the Thumbtack Ranch near Batesville. An assortment of selected volunteers assisted these Houston area men from start to finish. A U.S. Army Corporal, Chaltry served from 1945 to 1947. “I couldn’t enlist in the Army, Air Force or Navy because they found that I was color blind,” he said. “However, I got a letter from the president. I was drafted!” “I took my infantry training at Camp Wolters, Mineral Wells, Texas. Right after we finished training the war ended. The unit I trained with was sent to Fort Benning. I was sent to the Philippine Islands, but before I could get there the Army realized they didn’t need more officers there, so they sent us to Germany on a nice Victory ship boat ride, then a railroad boxcar ride. I ended up in Berlin where I served the next year.”

Chaltry married and had four daughters. He lost his wife seven years ago but enjoys time with his seven grandchildren and 14 great grandkids. He currently lives with a toy Pomeranian. Although he once had hunting dogs, Chaltry said he no longer has any. As a young man, he grew up deer, duck, and pheasant hunting in northern Wisconsin, usually in pulpwood country. “We couldn’t feed deer or climb a tree,” he said. “We tended to stand up against a tree to hunt during deer drives when deer were pushed in our direction.” When he moved to Texas in 1974, he saw a much different hunting style. Asked about his Trinity Oaks hunt, Chaltry chuckled, and said, “Well, for me, it was a little frustrating seeing all those massive antlered deer walking around, and I’m not interested in antlers! I wanted an axis buck and the pretty spotted hide, and some meat, because it’s very tasty.” “So that was my game plan,” he continued. “But we didn’t see any axis bucks and saw only one doe. I saw all these white-tailed deer and thought, ‘Oh, my God, where have these deer been all my life?’” “I really appreciated the effort Trinity Oaks put into entertaining me—an old war veteran. It was a really fine experience. The attention by the people and the assistance they gave

A nice eight-point buck fell to retired Naval Commander Joseph Sperandio’s sharp shooting on the Thumbtack Ranch.

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Gunnery skills learned while serving in the Navy 23 years as well as his lifetime of hunting earned Joseph Sperandio his first ever feral hog.

me with some of my handicaps was awesome. I’m thankful to everyone.” Sperandio came from a Kentucky coal mining family in a coal mining town. Without a lot of money, they hunted and ate a lot of wild game. “We had rabbits, squirrels, and doves and we did a lot of hunting. I had a single barreled shotgun and a .22 rifle,” he said. Sperandio joined the Navy in 1943. While attending the University of Louisville before becoming an officer, Sperandio met Marianne, “a Kansas gal, and she was a doll!” He says he knew at the end of their first date he was “gonna marry that woman” and did so in 1948. Together they had five children, 13 grandchildren and seven great grandkids. Sadly, he lost the love of his life in 2008. “When I got in the Navy, my specialty was gunnery,” he said. “I kept phasing up into gunnery until I became a commanding officer of the destroyers, but I was in gunnery all along.” While in the Navy, Sperandio hunted lots of pheasant, because the ammunition depot he commanded had contract farmers and acres of milo. “I had probably the best pheasant hunting territory in Nebraska and it was fun! A local Labrador dog club trained on the base, and they gave me a little black Lab,” he said. In 1966, Sperandio retired from the Navy as a commander. “The Navy didn’t have what they have today—all these transition groups. When I retired, I was out!” he said. After the Navy, Sperandio moved to Houston. “I got an opportunity to go into pipeline equipment, pipeline sales, and ended up a vice president and sales manager,” he said. Sperandio traveled overseas while working for the company, and later retired. Sperandio had never hunted deer when he got out of the Navy. “The biggest thing I ever hunted in Texas, I guess, was some big jack rabbits,” he said with a laugh. For his first Thumbtack Ranch hunt, Sperandio was surprised to get into a high-rise deer stand. “Man, what is this?” he marveled. “We got up there—it’s heated, beautiful chairs, you can see all around. And I got to shoot a pig! I’d never shot one before, and I don’t know any-

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thing about them, but I was lucky and got it right in the heart! I got one up on my buddy Dick. We saw a coyote but when I tried to aim it was too fast.” Sperandio was lucky enough to kill a nice eight-point whitetail buck. “The hunt was an experience of a lifetime,” he said. “I can’t explain how wonderful it was. This ranch is phenomenal, and the people so friendly. My buddy Dick felt the same way. They’re so concerned about taking care of us. They were outstanding! The area was beautiful. I guess all I can say is a good Thank You.” “These men are truly part of the greatest generation, those who fought for our freedom. It was humbling to serve them after serving for us,” Trinity Oaks founder Tom Snyder said. “We were honored to show we still appreciate all they did for us and for our country. Thank you is simply not enough.”

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Author Photos

McKenna’s family has a tradition of hanging the best buck of the hunting season above the family’s mantle. She earned that spot with this 10-point buck.

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unting season is my favorite time of the year! I like the living room, so when it was ready at the taxidermist, Maythe cold weather, hanging out by the fire, not having bree’s buck went up on the mantle and Michael’s came down. to brush my hair, being with my friends and family, Now, it was “game on” for who would get the prize spot above sleeping in the 20-year-old camper, making smores, exploring the fireplace. I had to kill one bigger than hers to take her spot. the property and driving the Ranger. You name it, I love it! All She was 9 when she killed her big buck, and I am 14. Little sis of it! had me beat! I had been looking forward to this particular hunt for Saturday morning, Michael and I got up extra early and months. It was youth weekend, and the first hunting weekend headed out in the dark. We had to be sure we got in the blind of the season. There was a “monster” 10-point buck we had seen on the cameras for at least a month, if not longer. Every day he would come to the feeder and would camp out and eat. We probably have well over 100 pictures of him. We had put up a bow blind before the season opened but decided we shouldn’t chance my first bow shot on this guy. I needed to be a sure shot to get the big kill. I, along with my stepdad, Michael; my mom, Amy; and my sister, Maybree, loaded up Friday afternoon and headed down the highway to San Saba, with our sights set on coming back home with “that big 10.” Mom and Maybree had been debating whether or not to make the trip with us and decided at the last minute they would join us. Mom wanted to be there when I killed my big buck, and Maybree realized she would be McKenna and her stepdad. She had been competing with her bored at home. Little cousin to take this particular buck. sisters! Maybree and I alternate years when one of us gets to kill a trophy buck. The year in plenty of time and the deer didn’t see us. The feeder went off before, she killed a nine-point that scored 137. It was bigger at 7:30 a.m., and I immediately got anxious. I knew any minute than Michael’s buck that we had hanging above the fireplace in he would come walking out. We sat and watched. Does and

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bucks came and went, but “that big 10” never showed up. He had been at this feeder every single day for forever. We could not believe it! We went back to camp to meet up with the rest of the hunters to talk over the morning’s hunt, eat breakfast, and look at pictures from some cameras. While scrolling through pictures, Uncle Matt got really quiet and said, “Michael, come look at this.” My buck had gone to his feeder that morning. He had not had that buck on his camera, ever, and that day, he was on his camera. Thank goodness the “hunting gods” were on my side that morning, and they had hunted from a different blind. My cousin Mack was so excited. He drove us crazy, talking about how they were going that afternoon to kill that big 10 we were after. Two seasons ago, Michael let Mack hunt from his blind and Mack killed an 11-point that scored 157. It was my turn. Saturday evening, Maybree wanted to go hunt with us, but we would not let her because the blind would be too crowded.

Maybree told McKenna she was her good luck charm on this hunt.

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Maybree’s nine-point buck previously had the top spot above the family’s mantle.

But all three of us were in that same blind when she killed her big buck. We waited and waited, but that big 10 did not show up again. But he also didn’t show up at Uncle Matt’s blind either. Back to camp we went, with no buck. We had one last hunt before we had to head home. Sunday morning, we got up early again. This time we let Maybree come with us. After walking what seemed like 2 miles, we got all situated, facing the feeder, where the buck usually came out. About 15 minutes after the feeder went off, he finally came out. But he stood to the left of the blind, by the side window, where I could not get a shot. We had to hustle but do so quietly. We rearranged chairs, switched seats, moved the camera, and I got the gun up just in time to see him looking right at us. I didn’t even have time to think or get buck fever. Michael asked if I was ready, and I pulled the trigger. The buck ran about 10 yards and fell. “That big 10” was BBD (big buck down). I was shaking and just hoping he would stay down, even though I knew I made a good shot. We waited about 15-20 minutes and Michael walked down to the feeder while Maybree and I waited in the blind. Michael gave us the thumbs up, because the buck was dead, and we ran down there to check him out. I was so happy he showed up and I was able to get a shot. I knew if we went back home without him, someone else would have shot him. I could not wait to tell Mack he wouldn’t get to shoot my big 10. When we got him home and scored him, he scored 1415⁄8, just enough to dethrone Maybree from the coveted spot above fireplace. She says she was my good luck charm on that hunt. Maybe she’s right, but I’m not going to tell her that. I really don’t want to give her the spot on the mantle.

The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters — THE VOICE OF TEXAS HUNTING®

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Keeping Your Deer Lease By Will Leschper

Bryan O’Neal Photo

ew things compare with a great hunting lease. However, nothing compares with the sucker punch that comes with losing one – especially when you least expect it. Let’s face it, the going rate for prime hunting real estate in Texas is on the rise, with no real end in sight as to just how high costs might escalate. Drought is hard on the pocketbooks of farmers and ranchBryan O’Neal killed this impressive whitetail in 2016 on a low-fence ers looking to make Smith County tract measuring about 400 acres. Whether you’re hunting a extra money off their location that size or 50,000 acres, it’s always good manners to be sincere spreads and there are in the thanks given to a landowner for the opportunity to hunt there. plenty of folks out there from the suburbs Now that we’re in the midst of another glorious Texas deer who are always equipped to gladly pay more than you can afseason, it’s time to move on to the biggest responsibility for next ford to have their own slice of back-pasture paradise. Outfitters fall and winter: provide your landowner with the most genuine also looking to capitalize always seem to find the right things to and heartfelt “thank you” that you may ever muster. After all, say – usually with the accompanying help of zeros on the end others may already have come calling, and an offer that can’t of a check – to lock up more acreage that they too can charge a be refused could be on a kitchen table somewhere for the land premium price to hunt. you’re hunting.

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The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters — THE VOICE OF TEXAS HUNTING®

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talent playing college football, touting how quickly the children were growing or simply chatting about how birds were flying that day. There’s a good lesson there: it’s just good, old-fashioned manners, and it works in your favor more than you may realize. Our longtime hunting tract has more mesquites, cactus and truck-rattling rocks per square mile than possibly any other locale in the state. It also has some pretty good low-fence whitetails. Our landowner undoubtedly has had offers for more money to lease the acreage, and likely will have more, but he’s also a West Texan cut from the same cloth as those of previous generations. He is honest, even about those other people trying to cut in on the place by upping the ante from time to time. But he has also been loyal, offering the chance to stay on for a modest price increase. He and his wife also make sure to bring tamales and other goodies when we make our big annual foray to the place for opening weekend. They also try to drive from their home almost an hour away to say hello in person at least once. How many landowners do you know who do that? With folks like that, it’s real easy to become attached, offering them minor tokens of appreciation during the year such as fish and game from other successful outings or even just a few family photos and an update about what’s going on near and far in everyone’s lives. There always is the possibility there’s a day when we’re hunting for another lease, but I’d like to think that even a little common courtesy can and will go a long way in maintaining a good relationship. You owe it to yourself and your landowner to do something courteous today, even as the memories from another hunting season remain fresh on your mind. It might just lead to more memories next season that might have never happened otherwise.

Author Photo

If you’ve never lost a lease, consider yourself lucky because you certainly are in the minority. One of the best family leases we ever had in Central Texas went south simply because the landowner’s friends could offer a few hundred dollars more per person for the season. However, the burden of losing that place was lessened somewhat by the fact that the landowner’s grandson shot the biggest buck any of us had seen in those parts, while not giving his grandfather a dime to hunt during the same time we were on the place. While that scenario may be somewhat different than others in the loss of a lease, I’ve also heard numerous tales of hunters who forgot their manners in every dealing they had with those who played host to their adventures. That kind of behavior typically doesn’t last long and isn’t tolerated by anyone I know who leases their land for the privilege of enjoying outdoor pursuits. Those conversations which usually involve some form of “My money is all the thanks they need” is far from the message you should be conveying, and any responsible hunter knows that. I’ve known plenty of hunters who fell into that category, but I’ve also known many more who were genuine and sincere in their regards for their annual hosts. And without them, you and I likely don’t get to enjoy the bounty of wildlife that Texas lands produce. Landowners bear the burden. They plant rows of crops, keep water sources flowing where they can and do all the necessary chores to keep fruitful lands in that condition. They also pay the taxes, whether it’s measured in sweat equity or dollar figures. They live there; we just spend time there. I can remember every dove hunt I went on when I was a youngster. Some involved the transfer of funds, and some didn’t. Either way, my father always stopped by the landowner’s house or gave them a call soon after we left the field. The conversations had numerous tangents, whether it was discussing the local

Courtesy in hunting pursuits, especially in a dove field, goes a long way for all parties involved. Pack in, pack out is the best advice for hunters planning to burn up lots of shells. Never leave an empty one behind. www.TTHA www. TTHA.com .com

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By Gary Roberson 38 | November/December

The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters — THE VOICE OF TEXAS HUNTING®

Author Photos

Phil Lyne (l) with Gary on a coyote hunt. The two friends started their own guide service in the 1990s. Both have seen their fair share of clients do some strange things.

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Strange Things I’ve Seen as a Hunting Guide I

n the early ’90s, good friend Phil Lyne and I started Lyne-Roberson Guide Service. Phil had recently entered into a deal to outfit the elk hunting on a large ranch in northwestern New Mexico. He had whitetail hunting on his ranch down south while I was outfitting for whitetails and turkeys on a large Hill Country ranch. We had several ranches in South Texas where we hunted predators and decided that taking a few predator hunters would help pay for our habits. Most of our clients became great friends and hunted with us for many years. While there is no doubt there are more stories of terrible outfitters than terrible hunters, there were a few hunters that pulled some interesting stunts that made me shake my head. First one that comes to mind is when the senior management from a large

southern grocery store chain hunted whitetails with me for several years and decided they wanted to go on an elk hunt. Three of the gentlemen from the grocery store chain booked the hunt along with the young attorney who represented the chain in various business dealings. The hunters arrived on the ranch about noon, and after unloading their gear in the lodge, the young lawyer who seemed very knowledgeable about most subjects decided it would be a great idea for his older buddies to go on a walk to get acclimatized to the higher elevations. Phil and I, along with a couple other guides, went up on the mountain to scout for the next morning’s hunt. We would meet at the lodge for dinner about dark. Now the lawyer was in his late 40s and was in very good shape because he

ran a couple of miles daily. The other gentlemen were in their late 50s or early 60s, not in great shape though none were overweight. All were from Georgia, which is barely above sea level, while the lodge sat at approximately 6,500 feet. To make the walk more “realistic,” the lawyer decided all of them should wear their backpacks that they would be wearing when hunting the next few days. In September, afternoon showers were fairly common, as it’s the tail end of the monsoon season. While the hunters were in the middle of their death march, a shower blew up and it rained a couple of tenths, just enough to make the red clay stick to anything and everything it touched. When we arrived back at the lodge, we found the lawyer but no other hunters. We asked him where the other hunters

A much younger Gary and Phil on a whitetail hunt.

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November/December 2023 |

Gary with his turkey hunting buddy, Bruce Brady.

were and he answered, “They’re at the bottom of the hill. They can’t make it up. Can you go down and pick them up?” Long story short, the three hunters were completely exhausted. They were already sore and all of them had blisters on their feet from the new boots all of them sported. The hunt had not started and they were finished. Instead of locating a bull and moving to him while calling, we were down to one tactic—sitting on water. Next, I guided a gentleman who owned a huge auto dealership in Detroit. He was a super nice fellow and though he hadn’t done much hunting, he was really getting into predator calling. We were calling on a large ranch near Freer that had a good population of coyotes and bobcats. He had killed a coyote or two and really wanted a bobcat. I set up along a wide pipeline where a narrow sendero intersected it and sat him where he could see the two openings. I stood in the brush about five steps behind and began blowing on the Mini Blaster call. After the first series, a great horned owl glided into a big mesquite and lit across the pipeline. A short time later, I saw my hunter raise his rifle preparing to take a shot. Motion by my hunter told me he was readying for a shot, then I realized the muzzle was pointed upward rather than down where a predator would be. At the report of the .22-250, I saw feathers explode from the poor owl as my hunter “de-limbed” him. In shock, I shouted, “What are you shooting at?” The excited hunter proudly responded, “I just got my cat!” Finally, without a doubt the craziest thing I ever saw a hunter do, occurred on a turkey hunt in Menard County when a very nice older gentleman and his friend were hunting with Bruce Brady and me. Bruce was from Brookhaven, Mississippi, and was the most ravenous turkey hunter 40 | November/December

I ever met. While I have hunted with turkey hunting legends such as Eddie Salter, Larry Norton, Toxey Haas and Ronnie “Cuz” Strickland, I thought that Bruce was the best. Simply put, Bruce was “no nonsense” when it came to turkey hunting. If a mature gobbling bird responded to our calling, the honorable thing to do was to kill him rather than let him walk off, embarrassed for being tricked by two rednecks. We met the two hunters in Menard and drove the 15 miles to the ranch where we were greeted by the gobble of a tom about a half mile to the west. We drove a couple hundred yards closer where I hid the truck and planned to cut the distance on foot before calling again. That’s when the overweight fellow realized he would have to sit on the ground. We weren’t going to sit on a chair in a blind. As we advanced in the bird’s direction, the overweight gentleman began to quiz me about how much it would cost if he killed a bird and I again explained that I had to pay the rancher for the birds so he would grant us hunting rights. Again, long story short, we called the gobbler within 25 steps of the overweight hunter who was the designated shooter on this stand. When I instructed him to take the shot, the butt of the shotgun did not touch his shoulder and he fired way over the bird. I was beginning to smell a rat. At the report of the 12-gauge, the tom flew south and another bird shock gobbled farther to the west. As we gathered our gear and helped the big hunter to his feet, I could tell that Mr. Brady was not happy. We walked back to the truck in order to cut the distance on the “shock gobbler” for the big guy said he didn’t think he could walk that far. We drove westerly

until I was afraid to go in farther in fear of spooking the gobbler that we hoped to call for the other very cooperative hunter. As we were leaving the truck, the big guy wanted to know if I had a chair that he could sit on. I told him that I didn’t have a chair, but I did have a five-gallon bucket. He left his gun in the truck and trudged down the ranch road with his bucket. Bruce and the cooperative hunter set up closer to the gobbling bird and I stayed back with the big guy now perched on a bucket in a small thicket where I hoped he was concealed. The bird was walking back and forth, gobbling his brains out but could not bring himself to fly the net wire fence. For over an hour, he strutted and gobbled back and forth in a 30-yard stretch. Finally, I saw the old tom fly the fence and begin to strut in our direction. It was then that I heard something more than a lovesick bird—Pssst! Pssst! I slowly turned my head to the big guy and he was giving me the time out signal. You know the sign a coach gives to stop play in a football game! About the time he had Bruce’s and my attention, he began to try to rise from the bucket. That’s when I heard Mr. Brady sternly instruct him to “Sit your fat ass down!” And he did. Miraculously, the lovesick tom was not spooked and a few minutes later was lying on his back, looking at the blue Menard County sky. After the hunters departed, Bruce and I decided that the big guy who was paying for the hunt was wanting to see turkeys respond to calling but did not want to pay the additional cost of a dead bird. This would explain his wild miss and his attempt to run the bird away from his buddy. Folks do some strange things when they’re in the great outdoors.

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Thomas put in the work to shoot with his bow, despite his injury, in order to take this trophy buck.

42 | November/December

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had hunted in Kansas for two previous years with my father-in-law and brother-in-law. They got great bucks each year as I failed in filling my buck tag. I was an avid bowhunter for years up to my last military deployment. But while serving in Iraq, I damaged my back and shoulder. When I returned home, I could not pull my bow anymore, so someone offered me a used bow that was easier to pull, based on the design. That bow was great but much slower. I missed several deer in previous years due to the speed. I started to lose the drive and sense of confidence I once had. In 2021, I was picked by a veteran non-profit combat recovery group to go on a red stag hunt. Hookset Brothers Combat Recovery took us to a ranch in South Texas. Three of us combat veterans went on that trip, and we all left with amazing red stags. Being around other combat veterans and accomplishing a hunt helped me gain some of my confidence back. That was a blessing and a great group of guys. I can’t say thank you enough to Hookset Brothers. When I received the email that we were drawn for the 2022 season, I put the wheels into motion. I went to the local bow shop, explained my shoulder injury issue and they set me up with a new bow. I started rehabbing my shoulder to prepare. Learning to use a new bow was undoubtedly a challenging endeavor, but with dedication and persistence, it proved to be a manageable and rewarding journey. The initial stages were filled with uncertainty and apprehension, as the new bow felt unfamiliar in my hands. However, the excitement of mastering it and the desire to improve my archery skills fueled my determination to overcome the difficulties. One of the first hurdles was understanding

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the unique design and mechanics of the new bow. Its draw weight, length, and overall feel varied significantly from my previous one. I had to learn how to adjust my stance, grip, and anchor point to achieve optimal performance. It felt like starting all over, learning for the first time. It took time and numerous adjustments to find the perfect fit for my shooting style, but each small improvement bolstered my confidence. I devoted extra time to hone my technique, practicing my draw, focusing on my breathing, and refining my release. Gradually, my shooting began to improve, and my arrows found their mark more frequently. Overcoming the mental aspect of using a new bow was equally essential. Maintaining focus became a significant hurdle with my shoulder pain. However, through consistent practice and mindfulness exercises, I learned to stay composed under pressure and visualize success before every shot. This mental fortitude helped me to improve my accuracy. I’m grateful for the difficulties encountered along the way. Each challenge presented an opportunity for growth and improvement. With every obstacle surmounted, I became more proficient and confident in my archery skills. The process taught me valuable lessons about dedication, patience, and the rewards of persevering through challenges. The difficulties were balanced by the satisfaction of progress by hitting the target. The experience reaffirmed that with dedication, perseverance, and the right mindset, any challenge can be conquered, and the rewards reaped are well worth the effort. We had been drawn for a new unit unfamiliar to us. We went early October to scout the public land. I got a picture

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November/December 2023 |

of this crazy-looking double main Clare Marble (l) and Austin Richards (r) lent a helping hand to Thomas to get beam buck. I thought it was a his trophy field dressed and into his truck. They were honored to help the messed-up image at first. veteran. I requested a high-definition image of it. It clearly wasn’t messedup. It was the image of a beast. I told the group I was in that I was going after that buck. When the time came, I went straight to that spot, driving everyday 45 minutes one way from where we were camped. It was a walk of almost a mile from the road to where I hung my stand. I sat there from morning till dark for almost two weeks. I saw several deer farther away from my hang-on stand. I moved the stand each day closer to where the deer were moving. While eating lunch in the truck one day, two guys from Michigan pulled up and asked if I was hunting in there. I was honest and told them yes. I worried it was about to get crowded there. They told me they had hunted that spot several years prior. We chatted for a little while and they said, “Good luck; it is a great spot.” They gave me some pointers for that area and thanked me for my service in the military. Ultimately The day this crazy buck did walk out, I was worn out from these two hunters played a vital role so I could finally fill a moving the stand every day. With my back and shoulder hurtbuck tag in Kansas. They offered any help I needed to get a ing, I worried about pulling my bow. That morning he walked buck. out in a creek bed, and all the excitement was there, so I drew but missed him. I quickly blew a grunt call causing him to stop as I nocked another arrow. I drew again, shaking from the pain, and released but missed. The buck turned around back up the creek bed. I said, “Lord please let me pull again.” I nocked another arrow and finally had a good angle for the shot. My arrow stuck him right behind the shoulder. Shaking from the pain and the excitement, I texted the gentlemen from Michigan. I waited a little while, and got down to start tracking the blood trail. I walked up on the buck and was in shock at his rack. The Michigan guys, Austin Richards and Clare Marble, came to help. I could hardly stand from the pain. They told me to not worry—they got it. They helped me field dress and brought a cart that could carry this deer. Without their help, I would probably still be in the woods. It’s not every day you meet hunters on public land that are eager to help. When I thanked them, they said, “No, thank you for your service. Without veterans like you, we would not have the freedom to hunt.” I was humbled by these two gentlemen. This was the first time I went after a specific buck and won. I successfully got a Thomas admits if it weren’t for his new friends’ help, he’d dream buck and I met two people I now call friends. A bucket still be stuck afield with his trophy. list item has now been scratched off. 44 | November/December

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Author Photos

A big mule deer buck and two does are well-camouflaged in the rocky cliffs of Palo Duro Canyon.

46 | November/December

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he sun was sinking to the west as dark antlers came into focus only 40 yards away. Weaving his rack through the thick cedars, a mature nine-point mule deer buck stopped to gaze at a nearby doe. I recognized the buck from the previous four years. “No Tail” was easy to identify as the name implies. Sometime early in his life his tail was lost leaving only a nub. The year before his antlers were impressive. Deep front forks, long beams and heavy bases would push his rack’s score to 160-inches. But by the time we finally met at close range that December, one beam and a brow tine were broken, so he got a pass. Now, in the fall of 2022, he was back. I guessed him at 7½ years old and 140 inches. His rack shrunk from the year before. Drought is no friend to growing big antlers! He got another pass and hopefully we will meet again in 2023. Even though I did not fill my tag that December afternoon, the scenery was worth bearing the cold Panhandle wind.

Rough country mule deer The Palo Duro Canyon is a spectacular backdrop for a deer hunt. It is the second largest canyon in the United States. Only the Grand Canyon in Arizona is bigger. Located south of Amarillo and winding to the east near Silverton, Palo Duro’s steep canyon walls are made of orange, red and white rocks. It

is approximately 800 feet deep and 120 miles long. The Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River snakes its way through the bottom of the canyon under tall cottonwood trees. Its beauty has inspired painters, writers, and photographers. Spiny botanicals like mesquites, prickly pear cactus, yuccas and good browse plants like mountain mahogany and oak brush are common. The canyon’s name comes from the Spanish explorers who discovered it: palo duro meaning hard wood or hard stick, referring to the abundant juniper or cedar growing along the canyon rim. Long ago, Indian tribes in the area used the juniper to build bows and arrows and hunt game like deer and bison. Today, the bison are gone, but big game species such as white-tailed deer, feral hogs, aoudad and mule deer share the landscape. Over the past decade, I’ve watched the mule deer population near my country home slowly decline. In a wheat field where I used to see 40 deer, now I see 10. The experts agree. According to Shawn Gray, TPWD biologist and mule deer and pronghorn program leader, “I would say the mule deer numbers in the Palo Duro Canyon are on a declining trend from the most recent drought, but also from brush encroachment and increasing aoudad numbers.” I shot my first mule deer in November 1988 on my grandfather’s ranch in the Palo Duro Canyon. That antique 10-point

The author with his 2022 Texas mule deer described in the article. The 10-point buck was stalked and arrowed on a cold day in December.

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The colorful canyon walls of the Palo Duro Canyon make for a scenic backdrop on a mule deer hunt.

had a compact rack with an acorn-like tip on one of his back tines. His average-sized rack still hangs on the wall in the ranch house. I used Dad’s old Sako .30-06 rifle topped with a Redfield scope to take that buck in a small ravine near a wheat field. Mom and I used a stiff rope to drag the buck to the truck. I’ve taken other quality bucks near the canyon’s rim. The wheat fields are the key to drawing the bucks out of the steep canyons to flatter ground where they are more visible. The wheat and milo crops are an important fall and winter food source. The closer the crop to rough country and bedding cover, the more likely deer are to use it in daylight. Bucks can be vulnerable to over harvest on these crop fields, so a conservative harvest of mature bucks is particularly important to maintain quality hunting for years to come. New antler restrictions implemented in 2022 in the Palo Duro Canyon counties, including Randall, Armstrong, and Briscoe, should improve the quality of hunting for the future. To be legal, a mule deer buck must have an outside main beam spread of at least 20 inches. Any buck for which the outside spread of the main beams is less than 20 inches is NOT legal to harvest. MLDP ranches, however, are not required to follow this restriction. That means no more spikes and dink fork horns will be killed. Instead, those young bucks will get a chance to age and express their genetic potential. In my experience, bucks around the canyon exhibit their best set of antlers at ages 48 | November/December

5-6. Environmental conditions, like good spring and summer rains versus drought, affect the year of their best antlers just as much or more than age.

Last year’s buck Drought took its toll on the Palo Duro Canyon mule deer herd in 2022. Fawn recruitment was low and most of the bucks I recognized from the previous year had racks either the same size or smaller than the previous year. By late November, the rut just starting to produce some elevated deer activity, I was still looking for a deer to wear my tag. Year after year, I see the most rut activity, and always a couple of new bucks, in the month of December. The last week of the general mule deer season would be my pick if you only had a few days to hunt. Ranches on the MLDP program get an extended season lasting into late January. I always see quality bucks in the December/January time frame, but often the first sighting of a new buck is too late because the buck’s rack is broken from fighting. Last year, by mid-December, most of the bucks I saw had some damage to their antlers. On December 18, a fine 10-point buck I recognized from the previous year showed up. He was on trail camera with five does at a bait site of scattered corn and alfalfa hay. I scoured the nearby canyon breaks with 10X binoculars for that buck, but never found him. A different 10-point, this one with heavy

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bases and big brow tines, showed up at the same location on December 20. He was another familiar face from the previous year. I only got his picture on the trail camera one time, then he was gone, likely following the scent of a hot doe. Again, I was a day late! It was December 24, a bitter cold day with a high temperature of 28 degrees, when my luck changed. Nearing one of my blind setups at midday, I spied dark antlers poking up out of the knee-high yellow grass of a CRP field. A close look through the binoculars confirmed it was a fine 10-point. In fact, the same buck that had been on the trail camera one week earlier. He was by himself, bedded and obviously weary from the stress of the rut. His face had fresh scars and his back and sides were missing patches of hair. Mule deer bucks will fight just as down and dirty as any whitetail, sometimes til the death. I made the stalk through a crosswind. The air A fresh mule deer rub on an temperature was so cold, a wind chill of 16 degrees, overhanging mesquite branch. I could feel my mustache freezing. A clump of mesquite trees concealed my last few steps until I was under 25 yards. Just as the buck turned to look in like salt and pepper. His symmetrical 10-point rack grossmy direction, my arrow zipped through the ribs. The big buck scored 1572⁄8 and netted 1535⁄8 inches. A fine buck for any year, trotted 30 yards and tipped over. A season’s worth of looking but a real stud considering the effects of the drought. Just like ended in seconds with one good arrow. that first one I shot in 1988, he dropped near the steep cliffs of The buck was aged by wildlife biologist Jeff Bonner at 5½ the Palo Duro Canyon. You won’t find a more scenic place to years old. His hide had that classic desert mule deer coloration hunt mule deer anywhere in Texas.

The Top Three Texas Big Game Awards Mule Deer from 2022 The counties in and around Palo Duro Canyon offer quality mule deer hunting and a scenic landscape, but the area is not known for growing giant bucks. After a lifetime of hunting this area and seeing what other ranches produce each season, I can say that 140-160-class bucks are typically the top end. I know of a few 170-200-class bucks from the past 20 years, but such specimens are rare. There are better areas in Texas to hunt if your focus is a 170+ buck. Statistically, bigger bucks are taken every year in the Trans-Pecos area and sandhill counties of the southwestern Panhandle. The following is a list of the top three typical and non-typical mule deer entered in the Texas Big Game Awards from region 1 (Trans-Pecos) and region 2 (Panhandle) from the 2022 season. Region 1 Top Typical Mule Deer Hunter’s Name County

Net Score

Region 2 Top Typical Mule Deer Hunter’s Name County

Net Score

1-Tom Vandivier

Culberson

165 ⁄8

1-Matthew Crum

Yoakum

1781⁄8

2-Ali Ryan

Culberson

149

2-Quynten Tarbet

Gaines

1636⁄8

3-Corey Fearheiley

Brewster

1477⁄8

3-David Fluitt

Bailey

1606⁄8

Region 1 Top Non-Typical Mule Deer Hunter’s Name County Net Score

Region 2 Top Non-Typical Mule Deer Hunter’s Name County Net Score

1-Trey Maxwell

Hudspeth

1915⁄8

1-Shane Maxwell

Cochran

2017⁄8

2-Minka Sibert

Jeff Davis

1904⁄8

2-Manco Durham

Lamb

1834⁄8

3-Michael Wilson

Hudspeth

1803⁄8

3-Damion Peery

Hutchinson

1796⁄8

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Author Photos

52 | November/December

Wade and his son Hank with Wade’s trophy buck. Hank had a hand in picking the blind where Wade eventually shot the buck.

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ver since the day my son, Hank, was born, all I could I went after an old eight-pointer on the other side of the think about was the time we would get to spend together property and figured I might make a long sit because I was by in the woods. I remember the first day I took him to a myself. The rut was on in East Texas. My dad and Hank weren’t deer stand with me, along with the snack bag full of candy, the able to seal the deal that morning. While I saw a lot of deer and monster trucks, and the endless amounts of oversized hunting a lot of rutting activity, I came back empty handed as well. gear for him to wear in case he got cold. We had a few does Hank and I spent the afternoon putting corn out, checking walk out that day—no shooters—but I always remember when cameras, and seeing where we might want to sit that evening he saw the does. I had to hold him up to look out the window, together. As we talked about where we want to sit that evehe sat there for a second dead still trying to find them with his ning, I couldn’t choose which option to take, so I decided to young eyes, and then at the top of his lungs yelling, “DEER!” let Hank make the call. I gave him the names of the stands we Ever since then, he has wanted to be by my side for anything should consider: Whitetail, Quickie, West Meadow, Bobcat, or to do at our ranch. Mowing, planting, filling protein and corn Backside. He never hesitates. He said, “West Meadow!” I rolled feeders, ejecting the SD cards in cameras, looking through with it, even though I haven’t had a camera at West Meadow for pictures with me, and hunting with me. He has wanted it all over 2 months, but I knew about the rut, and I knew we had a and he’s been with me most of the time, too. The memories we good doe population at that stand. I grabbed my grunt call and share while jumping animals riding around, him laughing, and rattling antlers, just in case we wanted to stir something up or him wanting to go through every water puddle, make me smile Hank gets the itch to make some noise, so at least it could be and think of how thankful I am to get this time with Hank. productive. While he has been with me for most of it, the one thing we That evening rolled around and we took two friends to a kept striking out on was taking a deer together. It wasn’t from stand for them to try and take a doe. As we dropped them off a lack of effort. When he was 3 and 4, we would go sit and try and drove back to the stand that Hank had picked out, I saw to shoot a mature doe, but it would never happen. We would a buck next to a doe. We watched them for a few minutes and always see animals, but they were either yearlings or young then drove a few hundred more yards. We jumped a really nice bucks. buck that was locked in on another doe in the woods. Time and time again we would go sit, only to come back empty handed. We still enjoyed our time together and he always wanted to go back, but I could see his anxiousness growing for a harvest. 2022 rolled around, Hank became 5 years old, and we both had high hopes. While he still wants a good snack or two in the deer stand, I can tell he is really starting to watch and look at the deer more intently. Sure, the monster trucks and tablet grab his attention some, but he is far more concerned now about the deer and where they are than watching any show or playing any game. On Nov. 12, 2022, I decided it was time for Hank’s next big milestone, to stay in the hunting cabin with the big boys and getting up early to go deer hunt. We got there late that night, and I was genuinely curious if he would really want to get up early the next morning to hunt, but Hank is an early riser, and he was excited. Sure enough, at 5 a.m. the alarm sounded off, Hank hopped right up and was ready to go with the big boys. He got all layered up, and headed off to the stand with my dad, with hopes of shooting a doe first thing and then coming back to Wade and Hank had tried stalking the buck, but Hank struggled camp. traversing the thick river bottom.

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This buck was good enough and heightened my attention. I told Hank we needed to stalk through the woods for a better look. Hank was all about the stalk and wanted to try, but we hunt in the thick river bottom, so he struggled making it through the thick greenbrier, taller grass, and trees. We tried for a few minutes, but I told Hank the best thing for us at that point was to leave quietly, drive to our stand, and get ready. We made it to West Meadow quickly and set up in the deer stand at 3:30 p.m. I got Hank settled in with his first chocolate treat, and he wanted his tablet to watch a show. I could tell he was tired from the early morning hunt, the work that afternoon, and everything to get into the stand. I got him situated and comfortable in the office chair and told him it was OK to fall asleep, but I might have to wake him up if something runs or walks out. At this point I said a small prayer: “God please let me harvest something with Hank, a doe or buck, just something that he will be able to see.” I wasn’t trying to be picky. I just wanted Hank to finally see me take a deer and share that memory with him. At 3:35 p.m., I saw a doe sprint in and out of the woods, so I grunted deeply three times. A couple minutes went by, and at 3:40 p.m. I looked to my right and saw a massive body walking out of the woods. I couldn’t see his antlers yet, but I could see his body. He stopped behind a tree and while I still couldn’t see his antlers, I could tell by his body that he was mature. I got Hank’s attention and said, “There’s a big buck coming out.” He got up, excited to see,

so I had to juggle keeping Hank quiet while watching this buck and getting ready for a shot. The buck moved from behind the trees, and I could see BIG antlers. At this point the buck was only 45 yards from our rifle stand, our front windows were open, and Hank was moving around to watch him, and I realized I didn’t have much time before getting busted, or the buck chases after the doe. Hank watched the whole situation unfold. I made the shot that dropped the bruiser right in his tracks. Right there, in that moment, I will never forget the time Hank and I shared. Hank yelled, “WE GOT HIM!” He jumped up and down in the stand, hugging me, then jumping in my lap and laughing at me because I was crying and in disbelief of what just happened. I called my wife to tell her the great news and to come take pictures of us. While I was on the phone, Hank asked why I was shaking and crying. One, it was a huge buck and I could see his antlers laying on the ground, truly speechless at his size, and two, the rush of emotions. We walked out of the stand to see the buck and take the initial pictures with him. The buck weighed 205 pounds, had 19 scoreable points, and scored an incredible 216. I’m still left speechless when I think back on the memory. Hank chose the stand. And in 15 minutes we suddenly had a lifetime of memories I will forever be grateful for with my son. Editor’s note: Wade Dixson’s buck won Best of Show Open Range at this year’s Fort Worth Hunters Extravaganza. See page 81 for all deer contest results.

Wade finally got to share a hunt with his son.

54 | November/December

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56 | November/December

The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters — THE VOICE OF TEXAS HUNTING®

Author Photos

Airboats and good pups are vital to a good waterfowl hunt across some of the best duck habitat along the coast.

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he Texas Gulf Coast is like a whole other country. Sure, it’s part of the Lone Star state, but this slice of paradise offers numerous opportunities that other parts of God’s country simply doesn’t. That’s especially true in the winter months when prime hunting seasons intersect with some pretty darn good fishing, too. With that in mind, here are three “cast and blast” opportunities tailor-made for spending some time near the salt this time of year:

Waterfowl and redfish

needs a handful of time-tested fish-catchers. The No. 1 artificial in your arsenal should be a gold spoon. These half-ounce to three-quarter-ounce lures also are dynamite for bull reds in the surf this time of year. Another go-to artificial are plugs imitating mullet and other baitfish that can be fished as topwaters or other versions that are shallow divers. Should you be lucky enough to find a topwater bite, you may never see anything like it again, and big bull reds busting on top is a sight to behold! Other artificials that work under a variety of conditions are paddletail plastics and shrimp imitations that can be worked under a popping cork, bounced on the bottom or simply retrieved slowly. Berkley Gulp! is an outstanding choice, with the

Texas coastal waterfowl hunting has seen ebbs and flows during the past few decades, and while many traditional hot spots along the coast have seemingly been on the decline, the bays and estuaries still have solid numbers of ducks that winter there. By contrast, the overall goose outlook in recent seasons along the coast has been downright bad due to a number of conditions, including changing habitat and inflows that have altered some crop production. However, there are locales slightly to the north such as the rice prairie region that still will have decent goose hunts. The best aspect about duck hunting in places such as the Rockport or Seadrift areas is the amount of superb habitat that can be reached, mostly by airboat, which is a whole new hunting experience if you’ve never climbed aboard one. There are numerous dependable hunting guides that run airboats in fall and winter for sought-after species including redheads and pintails. While the overall duck counts have waned slightly in recent seasons, this year’s count should be improved based on better breeding conditions during last spring in the Dakotas and Canada, the so-called “duck factory” that helps bring more birds into the Central Flyway. Most duck guides also dabble in fishing, which lends itself to also targeting redfish on Redfish action on the coast heats up in the your trip down to the coast. Crabs, shrimp fall and winter with hungry fish frequenting and mullet are usually easy to acquire this passes, jetties and even up on the flats when time of year and can be fished in multiple temperatures rise and the sun comes out. ways to bring in hungry fish. Shrimp and mullet, and other baitfish including piggy perch and croakers, can be free-lined with small weights to Ripple Mullet, Shrimp and Mantis Shrimp varieties all being help with their natural swimming presentation while live crabs good bull red fodder. can be hooked through one of their rear legs and allowed to Nilgai and speckled trout flutter in the current. The first nilgai were introduced on the King Ranch almost a If artificials are your method of choice, there are plenty of century ago and have thrived in the brush country, becoming options, too. The artificial tackle box for redfish really only www.TTHA www. TTHA.com .com

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November/December 2023 |

synonymous almost on the same scale as monster whitetails in South Texas. “Blue bulls” are stout animals that do well across the scrub country and they’re now found from the Baffin Bay area all the way down to the Mexican border. In fact, there are currently free-ranging populations in Brooks, Cameron, Hidalgo, Kenedy, Kleberg and Willacy counties. As with whitetail hunting, there are public lands draw opportunities on National Wildlife Refuges, but your best bet is to book a hunt with a guide or outfitter. That’s especially true because mature nilgai are a formidable hunting target and you’ve got to know what you’re doing. While the hunts can run into the thousands of dollars for a big bull, the overall meat haul is certainly worth the expense as the lean protein is similar to good beef, and there will plenty of it. Nilgai also offer a great exotic trophy hunt because there is no closed season and they can even be hunted at night using thermal optics, which has become quite a new market for brush country outfitters. The same habitat in which nilgai thrive also is conducive to harboring trophy speckled trout, specifically the ecosystem forming Baffin Bay. The hypersaline bay in what once was considered the Wild Horse Desert on maps is famous for its “rocks” – ancient living structures constructed over thousands of years by tiny tube-building serpulid worms. Jim Wallace landed the previous state record speck with a 13-pound, 11-ounce fish he caught in Baffin in 1996. That fish has only been eclipsed one time and the current state record was caught by Bud Rowland in the Lower Laguna Madre in 2002. That fish weighed a hefty 15.6 pounds! However, in terms of quantity of quality, Baffin still stands

atop the trophy trout game, with numerous guides focusing their everyday efforts for months on end in hopes of landing a true “gator” that eclipses 30 inches. The best way to experience Baffin is to hire a guide who has spent plenty of time there. The “rocks” have been known to be detrimental to lower units of folks running boats who either weren’t aware of their location or didn’t the know the deeper channels that pose less of a risk!

Doves and black drum While most dove hunters target the action that occurs during the first six weeks of the regular season in September and October, the winter portion of the season can be just as good – if not better. The second portion of Texas dove hunting frameworks kicks off statewide Dec. 15 and runs through Jan. 21 in the South Zone. And while that is still prime time for pursuing whitetails, it’s worth looking into a dove hunt or two – or plenty more than that – with birds becoming more concentrated around food and water resources that could be scarce. That’s especially true for whitewings, which have expanded their range northward and continue to have huge concentrations not far from the coast. The statewide daily bag of 15 birds is the same as in the earlier portion of the season, and that limit can include mourning doves, whitewings and no more than two white-tipped doves. Baiting of birds also remains illegal and legal shooting hours are from a half-hour before sunrise to sunset. It also should be noted that Eurasian collared doves can still be taken year-round and the invasive species isn’t subject to bag limits. For black drum, they typically play second and even third

TPWD courtesy photo

Nilgai are right at home in the brush country and offer the best big game hunting experience in Texas.

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The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters — THE VOICE OF TEXAS HUNTING®

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Whitewing hunts shouldn’t be overlooked during the late season in December and into January. There often are more birds that move in to escape cooler temperatures to the north.

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fiddle to speckled trout, redfish and flounder. However, you won’t find a fish more fit for the dinner table, and even in the dead of winter these fish pack a punch on conventional tackle. These cousins of the redfish and croaker are equal-opportunity vacuum cleaners with a penchant for inhaling a variety of natural baits, including shrimp, crabs and mantis shrimp. During the winter they also frequent pier and jetty areas, as well as natural passes and manmade cuts that don’t require a boat to access. If you’re looking to locate the ideal black drum habitat, the Laguna Madre that stretches from Corpus Christi southward down to Port Isabel is your best choice. The Laguna is hands-down the top spot for black drum when discussing angler access, with miles of prime habitat accessible by car, truck and on foot. The daily bag for black drum is five and like redfish there’s a slot limit, this one spanning 14 inches to 30 inches. You also can keep one black drum longer than 52 inches as part of the daily bag, but those fish’s flesh is extremely coarse and almost always contain parasitic “spaghetti” worms, so it’s not advised to bring them home.

The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters — THE VOICE OF TEXAS HUNTING®

November/December 2023 |

Memorable Deer Camp Pranks By Horace Gore

’ve had deer camp pranks pulled on me several times, and I’ve pulled a few practical jokes on others. It’s all in fun, but I remember one that really did me in. It involved a very nice, fancy stocked, engraved .243 that I had come by in a gun trade. The rifle was fit for a king, and I bragged about how it would “drive tacks.” It was the fanciest rifle that I had ever owned. I was hunting with some Texas Parks and Wildlife friends and Al Brothers on the Zachry Ranch in Webb County. Around the evening campfire, we were talking about guns, and I let everyone know my fancy .243 was sighted in, and ready. The next morning, we all went doe hunting. There were plenty of deer, and we were driving the ranch roads and shooting does for meat. While the other hunters had their plain Remingtons and Winchesters, I carried the beautiful handcrafted .243. We were taking turns at shooting, and I missed a doe. I couldn’t understand why I missed, and after a while, I missed another doe. During the morning, I missed about seven or eight does, and shot all my shells. Ted Clark, who had been laughing at my misses, offered his Winchester .30-06. Everyone had been amused about me missing all the deer with my new “high priced” rifle, and ribbed me to no end. When I got back to Austin, I fired three shots at a bull’s eye target. The three shots printed about the size of a quarter, but at 8 inches high and 6 inches to the right. Then it came to me—someone had slipped into my bedroom during the night and gave the scope knobs a good spin.

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We’ve all heard stories of fake bucks. I lured several hunters to a fake buck on the Kokernot Ranch in Gonzales County. Shooting two or three times at an “unbelievable” buck surprises them all. On a doe hunt, Al Brothers had invited Earnest “Jiggs” Simmons to come with us to the Zachry Ranch. Jiggs was a fisheries biologist who loved deer meat. The limit was two does, and Bob West and I bagged out early. On Saturday evening, Al suggested Bob and I shoot some quail for supper. It was a good quail year, and Bob and I soon had plenty of quail. On the way back to camp, a big boat-tailed grackle flew by. Bob stopped the truck and said, “Gore, shoot that black bird, and let’s put it in with the quail.” I thought it was a good prank, so I shot the bird, and we cleaned it along with the quail. Jiggs Simmons would get the black bird. On all our hunts, I did the cooking. I carefully fried the grackle, and mixed it in with the quail. At supper, Bob helped Jiggs with his plate, carefully including the black bird along with some bacon-seasoned green beans, gravy, and biscuits. Jiggs chomped down on the old bird, and commented that it was a little “tasty.” We all laughed as Bob asked, “Jiggs, have you ever eaten a boat-tailed grackle?” Jiggs laughed as much as we did. Deer camp pranks are just part of the camaraderie. Another time, I killed a big rattlesnake while hunting in South Texas, and that night I coiled the snake on the cabin doorstep. The next morning, my hunting compadre yelled and jumped sky high as he stepped out the door onto the big, dead rattler. But that’s another story.

The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters — THE VOICE OF TEXAS HUNTING®

November/December 2023 |

Triple Hog Shishka-Pork By Ted Nugent Editor’s note: The Journal is making changes beginning in 2024. After 20 years of contributing “Nuge’s Soundboard,” we’re letting Ted hunt more and write less. As Field Editor At Large, Ted had written his Soundboard since September 2004 and his thoughts on bowhunting and eating venison and pork every way possible have been an inspiration to many hunters, and non-hunters. Thanks, Ted—we may be calling for more bowhunting tips in days to come. HG

golden kernels hither and yon for the last few days, and the swine had figured it out. Trail-cam imagery showed the numerous sounders showing up well before dark and even at sunup, so the pork chops were imminent. We settled in for the ritual bowhunting ambush with the Spirit of the Wild vid-cam cocked and locked. The sun was at our back and the wind in our face, and within the dark confines of the muddy blind, confidence was running a solid 10. The beautiful iridescent green jays and assorted songbirds and woodpeckers kept us entertained as the shadows grew longer. In just a little over an hour we heard the unmistakable grunt-snort of distant swine, and we went from standby to kill mode in The author takes great delight in hog hunting with a bow. unison. Author Photos

outh Texas, baby! Ain’t no place quite like it! Wonderful people, abundant wildlife, amazing wild grounds, and plenty of sunshine. And the Tex-Mex food is to die for! I like it a lot! So old heartland bowhunting blood brother Larry Woodward had set up one of these wonderful pop-up blinds in the vast cactus and mesquite jungles where trails converged and scattered some

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The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters — THE VOICE OF TEXAS HUNTING®

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Smaller shoats charged right in as the larger boars and sows took their time investigating the surroundings. Larry filmed the beautiful stinkers as they jockeyed for prime corn consumption when the largest red boar finally committed broadside at 20 something yards, and in an instant, the mystical flight of my 400-grain GoldTip arrow was on its way into downtown pumpstation city. As the glowing Lumenok disappeared into the foreleg crease all pork hell erupted in loud grunts, angry snorts and highpitched squeals as the “pigsplosion” scattered in all directions. The scary-sharp two blade 100-grain SteelForce broadhead from my 46-pound-draw Mathews Image bow had sliced all the good stuff and the blood spray was obvious all the way out of site into the thick mesquite and prickly pear cactus hinterland. The only smile bigger than the one I sliced on the hog’s ribcage were the smiles on Larry and my face for a perfect arrow on a perfect hog for a perfect South Texas Spirit of the Wild TV bowhunting celebration. Heck, it was still early, there was still plenty of corn on the ground, and my Mathews bow was so damn silent that we were confident the pigs were simply confused as to what had just transpired, so I nocked another GoldTip and we settled in for round two of porkchop hill fun. And it was just a little over an hour later when the awe-inspiring scenario once again began to unfold before our

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very eyes. I actually smelled this new gaggle of porkers making their way into Corn City before I heard or saw them, and they didn’t waste any time pigging out on the not-so free lunch. Oh, they will pay, and pay dearly! A larger black sow gave it to me broadside at about 30 yards, and beautiful zebra GoldTip arrow number two was on its deadly way. A cacophony of screeches, squeals, grunts, snorts and wails unleashed in a cloud of swirling South Texas dust and away they went, with my heart-punched sow tipping over in a heap within seconds. I mean, my God, is there anything more fun that this? I think not. We hustled to film a quick recovery and drag back to the blind with hopes of just one more kill before the setting sun ended what was already as great a bowhunting day as anyone could ever hope for. And sure enough, as if by the hand of God, after a short spell, here comes sounder number three for the day, carefully moving into my kill zone for a hopeful tripleheader. The absolute beauty of my bowhunting life is that every kill has a life of its own, as if I have never made a kill before. My avidity for the critter encounter is always as if it’s the first time every time. Miraculously, I was able to pull it all together, calm down enough to execute my lifetime trained killer shot sequence, and my Mathews bow was one with my predator heart with kill number three for the day as wonderful as wonderful can be. Larry captured the entire magical hunt on SpiritWild film to celebrate for the whole world to see exactly how perfect killing pigs with the bow and arrow is, and that they should all try it for the thrill of their lives. Gutting, loading, cleaning, and hanging our wild pork in the cooler extended the joys of bowhunting right up until it was time to chow down on some fresh pork ribs and then hit the sack to prepare for another amazing day in the wilds of South Texas heaven. I said a prayer for the wild things as I laid me down to sleep, thanking God for His miraculous gift of life, especially His miraculous gift of bowhunting life.

The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters — THE VOICE OF TEXAS HUNTING®

November/December 2023 |

[ THE JOURNAL ] VOLUME 48 NUMBER 6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

MUST-GIVES The Gift of TTHA

Looking for that perfect gift for the hunter in your family? The TTHA GameGuard backpack and cooler bags are just a couple of must-gives this holiday season. With all new t-shirts, caps and other TTHA Gear, you will find the perfect gift for the hunter in your family. Members get preferred pricing on TTHA gear. Not a member? Join now (see page 64). Visit TTHAGEAR.com to see our full line up.

Toy crossbow

Children who aspire to take a giant buck can begin imagining that journey at an early age from the comfort of their own home with toys in the form of a classic crossbow or a pistol crossbow. With both items available in OD green and black, children eight and up can enjoy the 3 + 1 shot capacity and pump-action loading that fires six included suction cup safety darts over 30 feet. A fiber optic sight will aid the young aspiring outdoorsman to fire accurate shots at a free practice target included with every purchase. The Phantum series is safe for fun target practice both indoors and out. Visit barnettcrossbows.com/toy-crossbows.

Precision rifles

Black Brush Precision Rifles offers a good selection of precision rifles in stock, or they can build one to fit your needs. They also have other great gifts for the precision hunter. Check out blackbrushprecisionrifles.com for more info.

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MUST-GIVES

[ THE JOURNAL ]

VOLUME 48 NUMBER 6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Cookbook

Join Allie D’Andrea (Outdoors Allie) to learn how to break down chicken, pork, and venison—then cook your way through recipes featuring your fresh cuts. If you’ve been wondering which knives to buy, started to break down an animal but wanted more guidance, or are looking for recipes where meat is the star of the show, you’ll find it in The Butcher’s Table. After a review of basics such as butchering tools and meat preparation, explore chapters organized by meat type: chicken, pork, and venison. Each chapter begins with an illustrated step-by-step tutorial on breaking down the animal, followed by recipes for both the star and showstopper cuts as well as recipes for making the most of bones, fat, and ground meat. Get a copy on Amazon.com or Quarto.com.

Waterproof boots

Dryshod’s all-new Evalusion Hunt, Evalusion Hi, and Evalusion Ankle boots boast a first-ever outsole material that makes them exceptionally light in weight but does so while delivering superior traction and support on any terrain. The Evalusion is the first waterproof boot series to feature the Dryshod-exclusive Dureva outsole technology. Dureva is a lightweight and abrasion-resistant fusion compound that delivers the superior durability and traction demanded in a high-performance outsole while offering exceptional comfort, energy return, and stable footing. This means a secondary rubber outsole is no longer required. In addition to the weight reduction, the Dureva compound maximizes traction performance with the Evalusion’s multi-lug tread design. The tread offers optimal stealth by quietly flexing and bending over ground elements. Visit DryshodUSA.com.

Custom knives

With the holidays upcoming, Flint & Flame offers high-carbon German Steel knives that can be completely customized with etching for that personal touch. Please call 1-855-71-SHARP (74277) for TTHA Preferred Pricing. Visit flintandflame.com for their full range of products.

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The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters — THE VOICE OF TEXAS HUNTING®

November/December 2023 |

[ THE JOURNAL ] VOLUME 48 NUMBER 6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

MUST-GIVES

Handwarmer

The DEADQUIET Ember Handwarmer works in conjunction with the equally new DEADQUIET Shield Bino Harness or as a standalone product to help keep your hands warm and ready when the temperatures take a dive. The handwarmer offers three-layer construction. The fleece outer layer absorbs friction sound to allow silent movement on the stand or when still hunting. Next is a waterproof inner membrane that keeps hands dry in rainy or snowy conditions. Finally, an internal suede fabric adds another layer of weather protection and further minimizes noise, such as when inserting or removing your hands. To keep cold air out and warm air in, the handwarmer features a hidden cuff design that effectively closes around the wrists. For solo use, the handwarmer comes with a stowable waistbelt that adjusts from 29 to 49 inches. Visit www.alpsoutdoorz.com.

Pecos Table

The Pecos Workstation is the ultimate portable table for the outdoors. Capable of supporting up to 3,000 pounds, this table was built without compromise down to the smallest component to ensure this is the last portable table you will ever need to buy. Made in America. Visit pecosoutdoor.com.

Chum and Tote

This revolutionary road feeder and cargo rack features a patent pending design that folds down out of the way, allowing your tailgate to open, giving you full access to your truck bed. The hopper holds roughly 60 pounds of feed and doubles as a 21"x52" cargo rack with a 400-pound carrying capacity in the down position. Fits standard 2" receivers, all steel construction, and the remote plugs into 12-volt power. Veteran owned and proudly made in Central Texas. Visit www.chumandtote.com.

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MUST-GIVES

[ THE JOURNAL ]

VOLUME 48 NUMBER 6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Atascosa blinds

Give the gift of comfort and safety for your favorite hunter. No matter which model is your favorite, you can never go wrong with the often imitated, never duplicated, Atascosa Blind. With over 25 years in the industry, you know you’re getting the best with Atascosa. Visit awsblinds.com today to get your blind before Christmas.

Portable power

NEBO’s Rambler 100 Portable Power Station is hand-held, powerful, and capable of various USB wired, wireless, as well as AC charging options. Built with a rugged, impact-resistant body, it’s strong enough to power a laptop or smartphone while still being durable enough to power a lantern, headlamp, flashlight, or drone outdoors. Thanks to simultaneous charge-out technology, it also allows for multi-device charging for as many as five devices at once. The integrated AC inverter means an outlet will always be available. With 94.9 watt-hours of power, it packs a lot into a compact design that weighs fewer than three pounds. It also meets TSA guidelines for a carry-on approved item. Visit nebo.acgbrands.com.

Speaker cup

Introducing The Frio 360 Speaker Cup. Screw in the waterresistant speaker to the base of the cup and instantly amplify your beverage experience. Wirelessly stream music from your phone via Bluetooth. With a battery life up to eight hours, the speaker will brighten the mood with a color-changing LED light. Seize the moment with this innovative cup that conjoins two great ways to entertain. Visit friocoolers.com.

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The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters — THE VOICE OF TEXAS HUNTING®

November/December 2023 |

Game Cameras

Author photos

ummertime in Texas means a lot of different things to me, but for the past 22 years, it has been all about kids and spending time in God’s great outdoors. It also means that it’s the whitetail antler growing time of year and as we hit the mid-summer months, we can really see the potential of what our Texas bucks are growing on their head. Of course, the game cameras have been around for many years, but the advancement in quality and also the instant gratification from the cameras have eclipsed anything we have ever known. Not only do we catch pictures of our whitetail herds and how they look we also get to see all the other

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critters that frequent the trails and feeders. It can be a lot of fun for the adults as well as the kids and at the same time it can teach our kids a lot about wildlife and how they interact with each other. The camera observations as well as the field sightings can help with aging deer, patterning game animals, and also just be fun to scroll through all the different crazy things we catch. “The origin of trail cameras goes back to the early ’80s. Students at Missouri State University were looking at ways to study whitetail deer behavior, while studying for their masters (degrees). They came across a product made by Trailtimer that could record the time a deer

The author uses trail cams to help train kids attending his summer camps, as well as using trail cams for animal counts.

The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters — THE VOICE OF TEXAS HUNTING®

November/December 2023 |

tripped a string stretched across a trail. This was limited to one record per setting. “The drive to also capture pictures as well as timings took them to discover a company called Trailmaster. At the time Trailmaster had developed a two-piece device that projected an infrared beam to a receiver. This so happened to be the first active infrared device used in this area of research. Later developments introduced a 35mm camera, wired to the infrared receiver. “On the beam being broken, the 35mm camera would open its shutter and take a picture. The first trail camera as we know it was born and the history of trail cameras began. During this time over in South Texas a team of pioneers with a background in electrical engineering were developing a single, self-contained unit operated by a PIR (passive infrared sensor). These units contained a Kodak disc camera, but were susceptible to many false triggers, wasting film in the process. “Further trial and error took these early pioneers to launch the brand we know today as CamTrakker. Word soon spread about these new devices ability to help hunters and deer research. In 1989, Mark Cuddeback began marketing the Non-Typical DeerCam. Other early companies such as Gryphon Engineering did not

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last, unfortunately. “The early trail cameras in the ’90s were of course capturing pictures on 35mm film. As digital technology improved and became more affordable, we saw the introduction of digital. The first digital trail cameras had very slow trigger times. Sub 1 second trigger times were a long way off. With new technology such as Bluetooth and wireless recently being introduced to the trail camera world, the advancements seem to be continuing at a rapid pace. It’s an exciting time though to be a trail camera enthusiast, and I look forward to seeing what the next 20 years brings to the world of trail camera development.” —Rob Johnston, Outdoor Wilds Magazine This past summer we used the cameras a great deal at our summer camps not only to help train the kids, but also to help with our animal counts. Each year we have to do spotlight surveys, daytime sightings, and helicopter surveys. The game cameras get us more detail on the animals and allow us to put together our plans for the upcoming seasons. If you do not know what is on your property then you are really just hoping to get lucky. We take a lot of time out of our days reviewing the pics

The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters — THE VOICE OF TEXAS HUNTING®

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on the properties so we can do the best by our hunters and for the wildlife. It helps us a ton with our camps and training the kids to be better outdoorsmen. I do miss the days of being surprised by what you might see on a ranch, but the cameras add a benefit of hunting yearround. The cameras also allow you the aspect of catch and release, which I really like. There are lots of cameras out there these days and the prices are coming down and the instant gratification of

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pictures at your fingertips is the reality. It can be very addicting and a whole lot of fun. A trail camera is a great way to get your kids involved in year-round outdoor activities. You definitely do not have to have a lot of land to have fun capturing wildlife. I am around lots of kids each and every year and they love sharing their wildlife photos as well as their trail cam photos. It adds so much excitement to the waiting game and knowing that the animal you are looking for is in the area. Michael Marbach is the CEO of the Christian Outdoor Alliance, www.mycoa.org; 210-827-9802. COA’s mission is to guide youth and outdoorsmen to a relationship with Jesus Christ through experience in God’s great outdoors.

The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters — THE VOICE OF TEXAS HUNTING®

November/December 2023 |

Predator Calls & Accessories By John Goodspeed

eer tags may be just the ticket right now, but predator hunting is a year-round adventure — and there are no bag limits. The latest predator calls range from a couple of high-tech electronic calls costing more than $1,000 to a variety of hand-held mouth calls that can be had for as little as $7.99. One of those electronic calls — a long time in the making — uses ultrasonic sounds and speakers that humans can’t hear but makes predators come running. Another uses seven speakers to throw mouth-watering sounds in a 360-degree range and sports a wealth of customizable options and features including a built-in scale that can weigh predators in the field. There also is an electronic caller that is much

less complicated and much less expensive at $24.99. Another electronic caller mounts on a weapon and uses a smart phone for fingertip control. The benefit of electronic callers with remote speakers that can be placed far away is that predators lured by the sounds will be looking at where they originate. With mouth calls, that means they will be focusing on the hunter’s location while circling downwind, and they can either spot a movement or smell trouble. A few manufacturers did not introduce new calls this year, but one took a different approach. It rebranded a comfortable turkey hunting chair into one for predator hunters. Here is a look at some of the latest products. All prices are MSRP.

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s ● www.basspro.com; www.cabelas.com ● Hunting Lounger, $29.99

While these two companies have not introduced any new predator calls in the past several years, they rebranded a line of chairs because so many predator hunters use them. So the Turkey Lounger is no more. Now it’s the Hunting Lounger, a low-profile resting spot that features a water-resistant polyester seat and back with a large, breathable DuraMesh fabric panel to keep the seat cool. With a powder-coated steel frame, wide-base feet help keep the chair from sinking into loose dirt or sand. Foam-padded armrests provide comfort. For transport of the seven-pound chair, it includes a built-in carry strap and compression wrap. It’s 26 inches high, 20½ inches wide and 18 inches deep. Maximum capacity is 225 pounds. There also is a version for larger folks, the Big Man Hunting Lounger ($49.99). It can hold up to 400 pounds. It measures 32 inches high, 24 inches wide and 18 inches deep and comes with a carry bag. Coyote Photo by Gary Roberson

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Burnham Brothers

● www.burnhambrothers.com ● Freq Ultrasonic Game Calls, price not yet set; probably around $1,500 Gary Roberson of Burnham Brothers has been working on this ground-breaking call for six years and first planned to release it in 2019. But he wanted everything to be just right even though he wanted to put it on the market every year since then. It should be by now, but prospective owners will have to get in line. Nearly 10,000 are on the waiting list. What makes the Freq special is its ultra-high-frequency sounds. Other electronic units produce sounds within the range of human hearing. This one creates ultrasonic sounds that people can’t hear, but predators can hear the far more realistic reproductions of the sounds of prey in distress. The Freq can play sounds up to 50,000 hertz. Distress calls can top 40,000 hertz. Ordinary callers peak out at 17,000 to 18,000 hertz. Humans can hear up to 20,000 hertz; coyotes up to 40,000 hertz; and bobcats up to 64,000 hertz. Delays began with production of the special speakers. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit the micro-chip industry and other needed parts makers. The final delays were because of needed tweaks to the software and speakers. “It was just a much more difficult project than I thought it would be,” Roberson said. So far, the Freq has six patents, and Roberson is working on a seventh. The delays led to some other improvements, such as the animal sound recordings on special ultrasonic equipment doubling to about 200. Surprises came along the way while field testing. The Freq not only was super effective on coyotes and bobcats, but also lured in other critters that happened to be nearby such as mountain lions, bears, javelina and even jackrabbits. “I had one come 150 yards like a torpedo,” Roberson said. “I’ve been calling for 60 years, and I never called in rabbit before.”

Convergent Hunting Solutions The concept for this weapon-mounted predator call with a built-in phone mount was to create a compact, rugged call that would have the high volume and clarity. The phone mount allows the use of Convergent mobile apps for a hands-free caller that is controlled by a touch of a finger. Professional hunter Byron South collaborated on the design, which has been tested from the Pineywoods of East Texas to the deserts of northern Nevada. It measures three inches wide by four inches tall and four inches deep. It weighs 9.6 ounces. The rechargeable battery can last for more than five hours and provide up to 100 decibels in volume. Convergent also is relying on its long-standing workhorse, the Bullet HP Complete Bluetooth Game Calling System. Last year, it was $399.95. Now it is $305.96. The Bluetooth range is up to 300 feet. The Predator Pro App includes 50 sounds of prey in distress. A built-in decoy with erratic movements is controlled by the app. A stainless steel stake that stores in a compartment anchors the caller, which is designed to get the speakers and decoy above vegetation. The 10-watt amplifier produces sounds of more than 100 decibels. It comes with a rechargeable battery that can run for 10 hours at full volume. A picatinny rail mount for a cell phone onto a firearm allows easy access to the controls.

Manufacturer photos

● www.convergenthunting.com ● Sidewinder, $84.96

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November/December 2023 |

Flextone Game Calls

● www.flextonegamecalls.com ● Double Up Predator Combo, $18.99 Flextone created a new category for hand-held mouth calls with a design that mimics a rigid voice box surrounded by a soft, flexible neck and mouth tissue for the ability to vary tone, volume and inflection just like wild game. Both calls are easy to use and can cover a variety of distances. The Coyote Rage integrates a unique tone bulb at the end of the call for added realism for howls, yips and barks. The design requires little use of the hand. The Dying Rabbit’s versatility makes it a coaxer at close range and an attention-grabber across longer distances. A squeeze of the exhaust bell controls the volume. It can bring in coyotes, foxes and other predators. The calls can add variety when using an electronic unit.

FOXPRO Inc.

● www.gofoxpro.com ● FOXPRO X360, $1,199.95 This new flagship digital game call uses seven speakers that move 24-bit sounds to different speakers randomly in a 360-degree range while increasing and decreasing volumes for realism and urgency to fool wary predators. The unit can start with a low urgency of 360-degree sound and gradually increase the urgency or just start out with the most chaotic action. The system consists of three horn speakers, three tweeters, and a bass speaker, producing more than 20,000 hertz of sound, nearly double the frequency range of previous models. The built-in tripod elevates the call for better sound distribution and folds down for portability. The two built-in, independently controlled decoys augment more than 350 sounds. It can store up to 2,000 sounds. The Bluetooth feature can play audio files from a phone. The new TX-2000 remote features a large full-color LCD screen with customizable options and subcategories for easy sound navigation. A built-in scale can weigh predators in the field. An improved temperature and barometric pressure gauge offers more accurate readings. Other features include a moon phase indicator, battery level indicator for both the X360 and the TX-2000, and timer or time clock. Two buttons allow selection of favorite sounds at predetermined volumes. Two more buttons are customizable to quickly access other features. FOXFusion, the playing of two sounds at once, can now work with 24-bit sounds. FOXPitch has been improved to offer a greater range of pitch changes. FOXCast sequences are designed by the pros. Sound sequences also can be customized. FOXData can record sounds, times, dates, barometric pressures and temperatures.

HME (Hunting Made Easy) ● www.hmeproducts.com ● Mantis Six Shooter, $24.99

This compact, simple-to-use hand-held electronic caller is named for its six pre-loaded game calls — distress sounds of woodpecker, cottontail, fox pup, fawn and rodent squeaks and coyote locator. Sound output is rated at 105 decibels. There are buttons for volume control and call repeat. A random repeat option allows for hands-free use. The rubberized keypad can be used without looking at it. The handle features a textured grip. The case is made of weather-resistant ABS plastic. It includes a lanyard. It weighs a little more than half a pound. The caller operates on four AAA batteries, which are not included. 78 | November/December 2023

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Hunters Specialties/ Johnny Stewart Wildlife Calls

● www.hunterspec.com ● Coyote Dog Howler, $7.99 The Coyote Dog Howler can produce a full range of authentic coyote sounds, including yelps, howls, barks and whines. It can produce squalls to lure mountain lions, foxes, bears, bobcats and other predators. It has an innovative adjustable sound band with tone slots. The website provides detailed instructions on how to use the caller to create barks, yips, whines, howls, a lone locator howl, a challenge howl and a warning bark.

Primos Hunting Calls

● www.primos.com ● Double Jackrabbit Predator Call, $27.99 Designed with the help of professional predator caller Randy Anderson, this call with a laminated barrel houses two metal reeds thus giving it the name double. The reeds give this loud call a low-pitched and raspy sound unique to the predator calling world. The double reed also gives the call a depth of sound. It can be used as the primary call or saved for later in the set to jar loose those educated critters. It works on all predators including coyotes, bobcats and foxes.

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November/December 2023 |

DEER CONTEST PRIZES PROVIDED BY:

For 2024 Deer Contest Sponsorship information, call Debbie Keene at 210-288-9491 or email deborah@ttha.com

2023 HUNTERS EXTRAVAGANZA DEER COMPETITION RESULTS

he Hunters Extravaganza Annual Deer Competition has a rich history of whitetail and mule deer bucks from across the state. Experienced hunters bring in the better bucks, while young hunters show off their bucks of the year— sometimes their first! The contests for 2022-2023 harvested bucks showed the effects of drought, inflation, and the prices of vehicle fuel, corn, camp supplies, and hunting accessories—a tough season for deer hunters. Many hunters rode out the season in hopes of better prospects for 2023-2024. The drought and corn prices were two major factors in hunter success, with buck quality fluctuating from shortages of food and water. This year’s three contests had a total of 78 entries, with 17 coming from youth hunters. The overall competitions were

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down slightly from last year, when 89 deer were entered. The Houston contest had 15 entries, less than half the normal. Hunters brought in 13 whitetails and two mule deer. Entries included four females and two youths. Fallon Clepper won High Overall Female with a buck scoring 147 net B&C. The Fort Worth contest had 43 entries: 41 whitetails and two mule deer. Entries included nine females and 10 youths. Danielle Whatley won High Overall Female with her first buck, scoring 1826⁄8 B&C. People’s Choice went to Cooper Manning, a 13-year-old confined to a wheelchair. The oldest hunter in the contest was 89-year-old Glenda Bullard (see page 7), who entered a 1294⁄8 open range buck. San Antonio had 20 entries: 18 whitetail and two mule deer. Entries included four females and five youths. Landon Yutzy won the Best Perfect 8. We thank everyone who participated and hope you have a successful deer season. We hope to see you at the competition next year. —Horace Gore

The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters — THE VOICE OF TEXAS HUNTING®

November/December 2023 |

DEER CONTEST RESULTS

HOUSTON

Larry Holzworth BEST OF SHOW (OPEN RANGE)

Nick Fincher

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Carol Heughan

Rodney Bryant

BEST OF SHOW (HIGH FENCE)

Fallon Clepper HIGH OVERALL FEMALE

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Matthew Thompson

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DEER CONTEST RESULTS

HOUSTON

Jeffrey Triplett III HIGH OVERALL YOUTH

Savannah Rhoden

Seth Carpenter PEOPLE’S CHOICE

Joe Sinski BEST PERFECT 8

Jane Hale

Lowell Mower III

Sam Rasberry

Jared Poole BEST MULE DEER

MODERN ARMS OPEN RANGE NORTH TEXAS Larry Holzworth, 1st adult male, 1485⁄8 typical, Trinity County, Best Of Show Open Range Nick Fincher, 2nd adult male, 1134⁄8 typical, Schleicher County Carol Heughan, 1st adult female, 1084⁄8 typical, Menard County

MODERN ARMS HIGH FENCE NORTH TEXAS Rodney Bryant, 1st adult male, 4767⁄8 non-typical, Walker County, Best Of Show High Fence Matthew Thompson, 2nd adult male, 2561⁄8 non-typical, Jasper County Jeffery Triplett III, 1st youth male, 2111⁄8 non-typical, Lee County, High Overall Youth

ARCHERY OPEN RANGE NORTH TEXAS Joe Sinski, 1st adult male, 1433⁄8 typical, Trinity County, Best Perfect 8

SOUTH TEXAS & MEXICO Fallon Clepper, 1st adult female, 147 typical, Uvalde County, High Overall Female

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SOUTH TEXAS & MEXICO Savannah Rhoden, 1st adult female, 1306⁄8 typical, Duval County Seth Carpenter, 1st adult male, 1943⁄8 non-typical, Dimmit County, People’s Choice

SOUTH TEXAS & MEXICO Jane Hale, 1st adult female, 1344⁄8 typical, Duval County ARCHERY HIGH FENCE NORTH TEXAS Lowell Mower III, 1st adult male, 2983⁄8 non-typical, Gillespie County

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Tyler Poole BEST IN PREVIOUS FIVE SEASONS NORTH TEXAS Sam Rasberry, 1st adult male, 2213⁄8 non-typical, Leon County BEST TEXAS MULE DEER Jared Poole, 151, Yoakum County Tyler Poole, 1504⁄8, Cochran County

November/December 2023 |

DEER CONTEST RESULTS

FORT WORTH

Wade Dixon

Heith Denny

BEST OF SHOW (OPEN RANGE)

BEST OF SHOW (HIGH FENCE)

Bailee Wade 86 | November/December 2023

Cooper Manning PEOPLE’S CHOICE

Macey Leichliter

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Michael Barker

Jennifer Hunter www.TTHA. www. TTHA.com com

DEER CONTEST RESULTS

FORT WORTH

Carter Denny

Danielle Whatley

HIGH OVERALL YOUTH

HIGH OVERALL FEMALE

Bo Linden

Billy Waller

Nathan Martin

BEST PERFECT 8

MODERN ARMS OPEN RANGE NORTH TEXAS Michael Barker, 1st adult male, 1736⁄8 typical, Erath County Stephen Shukers, 2nd adult male, 144 typical, Cottle County Sean Hightower, 3rd adult male, 1434⁄8 typical, King County James Hawthorne, 4th adult male, 1431⁄8 typical, Parker County Donald Booe, 5th adult male, 1325⁄8 typical, Archer County Justin Leichliter, 6th adult male, 1112⁄8 typical, Wise County Wade Dixon, 1st adult male, 2075⁄8 non-typical, Smith County, Best Of Show Open Range Zeb McGhee, 2nd adult male, 1957⁄8 non-typical, Harrison County Bailee Wade, 1st adult female, www.TTHA www. TTHA.com .com

Rodny Gann

1385⁄8 typical, Hardeman County Glenda Bullard, 2nd adult female, 1294⁄8 typical, Parker County Sandi Leichliter, 3rd adult female, 1246⁄8 typical, Wise County Cooper Manning, 1st youth male, 1222⁄8 typical, Kaufman County, People’s Choice Macey Leichliter, 1st youth female, 1127⁄8 typical, Denton County SOUTH TEXAS & MEXICO Carter Denny, 1st youth male, 1543⁄8 typical, Frio County, High Overall Youth

MODERN ARMS HIGH FENCE NORTH TEXAS Danielle Whatley, 1st adult female, 1826⁄8 typical, Shackelford County, High Overall Female Heith Denny, 1st adult male, 2672⁄8 non-typical, Bandera County, Best Of Show High Fence Heith Denny, 2nd adult male, 2385⁄8 non-typical, Bandera County Michael Barker, 3rd adult male, 2371⁄8 non-typical, Palo Pinto County Heith Denny, 4th adult male, 2255⁄8 non-typical, Erath County Jennifer Hunter, 1st adult female, 1925⁄8 non-typical, Palo Pinto County OUT OF STATE Rodny Gann, 1st adult male, 4226⁄8 non-typical, Pennsylvania

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November/December 2023 |

DEER CONTEST RESULTS

FORT WORTH

Tanner Miles

Clinton Goodpaster ARCHERY OPEN RANGE NORTH TEXAS Billy Waller, 1st adult male, 1404⁄8 typical, Shackelford County Bo Linden, 2nd adult male, 134 typical, Tarrant County, Best Perfect 8 Ryan Jackson, 3rd adult male, 1205⁄8 typical, Clay County Nathan Martin, 1st adult male, 2005⁄8 non-typical, Cooke County Mark Meyer, 2nd adult male, 1457⁄8 non-typical, Grayson County Tanner Miles, 1st youth male, 1315⁄8 typical, Shackelford County Rafe Haugen, 2nd youth male, 1262⁄8 typical, Hall County Tate Miles, 3rd youth male, 1052⁄8 typical, Shackelford County 88 | November/December 2023

Grace Waller

Jason Clayton

Case

Summers

David Swayne Grace Waller, 1st youth female, 1304⁄8 typical, Shackelford County Azura Linden 2nd youth female, 1297⁄8 typical, Tarrant County Macey Leichliter, 3rd youth female, 804⁄8 typical, Wise County OUT OF STATE Case Summers, 1st youth male, 1135⁄8 typical, Kansas ARCHERY HIGH FENCE NORTH TEXAS Jason Clayton, 1st adult male, 2223⁄8 non-typical, Falls County BEST IN PREVIOUS FIVE SEASONS NORTH TEXAS Clinton Goodpaster, 1st adult male,

Mark Shadburn BEST MULE DEER 1337⁄8 typical, Parker County Jackson Davis, 2nd adult male, 1297⁄8 typical, Denton County Alex Vokes, 3rd adult male, 1267⁄8 typical, Knox County Monty Goodpaster, 4th adult male, 1236⁄8 typical, Parker County Jackson Davis, 5th adult male, 886⁄8 typical, Denton County David Swayne, 1st adult male, 4257⁄8 non-typical, Lampassas County Mark Shadburn, 2nd adult male, 1986⁄8 non-typical, Bandera County BEST TEXAS MULE DEER Mark Shadburn, 1582⁄8, Lamb County Sean Hightower, 621⁄8, King County

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DEER CONTEST RESULTS

SAN ANTONIO

Steven Fischer

BEST OF SHOW (OPEN RANGE)

William Miller HIGH OVERALL YOUTH 90 | November/December 2023

Skip Preiss

BEST OF SHOW (HIGH FENCE)

Michelle Keese The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters — THE VOICE OF TEXAS HUNTING®

Joshua Hernandez

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DEER CONTEST RESULTS

SAN ANTONIO

Donnie Fischer

Ryleigh Phillips

PEOPLE’S CHOICE

HIGH OVERALL FEMALE

Craig Jendrusch

MODERN ARMS OPEN RANGE NORTH TEXAS William Miller, 1st youth male, 148 5⁄8 typical, Gonzales County, High Overall Youth SOUTH TEXAS & MEXICO Steven Fischer, 1st adult male, 2236⁄8 non-typical, Frio County, Best Of Show Open Range Randy Rohde, 2nd adult male, 1877⁄8 non-typical, Webb County OUT OF STATE Michelle Keese, 1st adult female, 1376⁄8 typical, Oklahoma

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Arleigh Hughes

Caiden Allemond

Bobby Flores

SOUTH TEXAS & MEXICO Joshua Hernandez, 1st adult male, 1754⁄8 typical, Maverick County Donnie Fischer, 2nd adult male, 1746⁄8 typical, Frio County, People’s Choice Ryleigh Phillips, 1st adult female, 1661⁄8 typical, Webb County, High Overall Female Arleigh Hughes, 1st youth female, 1187⁄8 typical, Bee County

MODERN ARMS HIGH FENCE NORTH TEXAS Craig Jendrusch, 1st adult male, 301 non-typical, Karnes County SOUTH TEXAS & MEXICO Caiden Allemond, 1st youth male, 1343⁄8 typical, Duval County Hunter Shipman, 2nd youth male, 393⁄8 typical, Atascosa County Bobby Flores, 1st adult male, 236 non-typical, Frio County OUT OF STATE David Gonzales, 1st adult male, 2101⁄8 non-typical, Michigan

The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters — THE VOICE OF TEXAS HUNTING®

November/December 2023 |

DEER CONTEST RESULTS

SAN ANTONIO

David Gonzales

Vernon Hampton

Cody Schmidt

Brandie Albert

Landon Yutzy BEST PERFECT 8

Clayton Walters BEST MULE DEER

ARCHERY OPEN RANGE OUT OF STATE Vernon Hampton, 1st adult male, 1344⁄8 typical, Nebraska

BEST IN PREVIOUS FIVE SEASONS NORTH TEXAS Cody Schmidt, 1st adult male, 1374⁄8 typical, Llano County

ARCHERY HIGH FENCE NORTH TEXAS Skip Priess, 1st adult male, 4082⁄8 non-typical, Montague County, Best Of Show High Fence

SOUTH TEXAS & MEXICO Brandie Albert, 1st adult female 2694⁄8 non-typical, Frio County

SOUTH TEXAS & MEXICO Landon Yutzy, 1st youth male, 1271⁄8 typical, Cameron County, Best Perfect 8

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BEST TEXAS MULE DEER Clayton Walters, 1325⁄8, Presidio County Josh Dirickson, 1304⁄8, Presidio County

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The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters — THE VOICE OF TEXAS HUNTING®

Author Photos

Kenny had two lucky draws: the first one when he won the hunting raffle, and the second one when he drew his bow and took this excellent Texas trophy buck.

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s a kid growing up in Montana, I have had the pleasure of hunting and just being in the outdoors quite often. I have hunted big game and taken some really nice animals through the years. I joined the Army in 1992, which took me away from the beautiful Montana mountains and landed me in many different places throughout my 26year career as an Army medic. I have been blessed to work on different non-profits and understand what it takes to help and give back to others who need it. As the chairman for the South Texas Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, I have been honored to see firsthand what raising money for a cause does for animals and people, which makes donating or buying raffle tickets worth it. When I walked around the Texas Trophy Hunters Association’s Hunters Extravaganza in San Antonio in August, I stopped by the Combat Marine Outdoors (CMO) booth to buy raffle tickets for different hunts they were offering. CMO is a great organization that gets veterans outdoors for hunting or fishing trips, so buying my raffle tickets just came naturally. The drawing for six different winners and one grand prize winner would be at the end of December 2021, which was four months away. December came and I remember my good friend

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and Army brother, Javier, called me and said, “Bro, did you see who won the grand prize?” I told him I didn’t, then I watched a Facebook Live rerun and heard my name being called for the opportunity at a 200-inch whitetail deer. I truly couldn’t believe what I just heard. I teared up and hugged my wife. I soon received a call from Art Garcia, CEO of Combat Marine Outdoors, congratulating me on a hunt of a lifetime. The entire following year, I practiced shooting my bow and watched videos on big deer. I wanted to get my mind wrapped around the idea of what a 200-inch class deer looks like onthe-hoof. I have seen a ton of big animals, but to get a chance to take a true giant was unimaginable. Robert Myers, of Blackjack Whitetails, graciously donated the CMO raffle’s grand prize. Texas is blessed to have multiple deer breeders around the state and Robert is one of the leaders in the industry. Deer breeding is huge, not only for having big deer, but to help ranches get the very best genetics they can get to supplement their own ranches. Art told me that his ranch manager, David Kolaja, called and asked if I was ready to hunt some big deer. I called Javier and asked if he could go film the hunt and take pics if we were successful. He jumped at the offer.

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November/December 2023 |

We showed up at the ranch, and right away I knew we were in for a hunt of a lifetime. There were sheds laying by the shop that were bigger than any deer antler I’ve ever seen. The excitement started building as David showed us around and checked my tags. After what seemed like forever, we finally got out to the treestand where David said he had seen some BIG deer earlier. Javier sat in a ground blind about 60 yards away, getting ready to catch whatever unfolded that evening on his video camera. As an avid hunter my whole life, I dreamed about taking a big, typical deer that I could be proud of. I sat in the treestand with my bow, full of excitement and anticipation. A huge non-typical that would make most hunters drool with all his different points on a big frame stepped out, and right behind him was the biggest typical framed buck I’d ever seen. Naming him, “Tall Guy,” I slowly texted Javier to make sure he was ready, and he said, “On him.”

As I drew my bow back, I just whispered to myself, “Pick a spot, Rog,” and released the arrow. My arrow flew true and disappeared in his cavity. He wheeled around and took off right where he came from with the other big buck following. I was pretty calm before the shot, but adrenaline kicked in after and I just watched him, shaking a little, until he went into the woods. I couldn’t believe what just happened and after giving him some time, we walked up on a true giant whitetail buck. I can’t thank Robert enough for donating a chance at a tremendous buck to CMO. Also, I thank David for all the hard work it takes to have these big boys roam different ranches of Texas. My buck scored 2022⁄8 inches and was entered in three big deer contests around the state. We are again humbled to have him win three jackets and many accolades from the hunting world for his typical size. I’m very blessed to have taken such a majestic buck.

Kenny with his buck, nicknamed “Tall Guy.” Not only was Kenny’s hunt successful, he helped a great organization keep doing good work for veterans though purchasing his raffle ticket.

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The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters — THE VOICE OF TEXAS HUNTING®

Ruth Spahn Photo

Ryan Spahn (l) and his father Rex took some rather large whitetails last season, which gives them both plenty of reason to keep smiling.

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n 2013, my good friends Rex and Ruth Spahn of Caldwell acquired a ranch located southeast of Cotulla in La Salle County. It’s situated in prime deer country, an area known for good genetics that produces great bucks. They, along with their son Ryan, went to work managing the Riata Ranch to produce the best native deer possible. After many years of dedication, their hunting success last season shows that they have achieved a big part of their goal. Horrific drought marred the 2022-2023 hunting season. It was one of the worst recorded in recent history. Across much of the state, deer numbers and quality were down. Unfortunately, the impacts of the drought will be realized again in 2028 when there’s a noticeable gap in the age structure of mature bucks from the failed fawn crop in 2022. The drought magnified any potential management flaws, thus increasing the effect of limiting factors. Undoubtedly, the ranch’s deer program fared better than others. The ranch enjoyed its most successful season in 2022, with hunters taking two eye-catching bucks, including a new ranch record. This success can be attributed to the Spahn family’s hard work and devotion to their ongoing management program. Ryan and Rex were rewarded with outstanding 196 B&C bucks, and here are the stories of their hunts.

RYAN’S BIG NON-TYPICAL

Author Photos

As the season began, the Spahns had their eye on several outstanding deer. Of particular interest were two older bucks, a huge non-typical with multiple drop tines and a big-framed typical. Both bucks would be eligible for harvest under the

philosophy of their management program. “We decided that I would try to hunt for the non-typical and Dad would hunt for the typical,” Ryan said. “They were both beautiful deer, and it was a tough decision.” Rex added, “It didn’t really matter to me. They were both good bucks.” The first time the Spahns went to the ranch to actually hunt was during the MLDP season in October. They arrived at the ranch in the evening and started their hunt the next morning. There was no breeze and it was hot and muggy—unlikely conditions for what was about to transpire. Ryan recalled, “We were just scouting, and really didn’t expect to see much, let alone shoot anything.” Ryan arrived at the deer blind early, well before daylight, and settled in for the hunt. He could make out the dark shapes of deer eating corn he had scattered on the road. As dawn approached to cast a hint of light, the shapes began to take form and he realized he was looking at his big non-typical. “My buck was literally the first deer of the hunting season that I laid eyes on,” he said. “I really couldn’t believe he was standing there because we had never seen him early in the season. He always showed up later during the rut and most of the time his antlers were broken.” There were a few other deer feeding, and Ryan watched the big buck wander among the other deer as the sun came up. “He was about 120 yards when I stuck the rifle barrel out the blind window,” he said. “When I looked through the scope, two coyotes ran through the bottom of my field of view. The coyotes immediately caught the attention of the buck, and he threw up his head while turning to face them. At that point I thought it was over.”

Ryan got his non-typical buck with a 120-yard shot. www.TTHA www. TTHA.com .com

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November/December 2023 |

The buck stood motionless, surveying the situation. “He was facing me, and I didn’t have a good shot. At that point I decided if he turned, I’d take him,” he said. The coyotes disappeared and assuming the threat was gone, the buck relaxed and went back to feeding. “He turned, quartering towards me and I placed the crosshairs of my 6.5 Creedmoor on his shoulder and squeezed the trigger,” he added. The big non-typical was hit hard and stumbled in the road before making it another 30 yards and collapsing in some short brush. Ryan sat for a few minutes in disbelief before grabbing his gear and going to take a look at his giant buck. “When I walked up to him, I couldn’t get over his antler width and character,” Ryan said. “He had six drop tines on one side and was much bigger than I had expected. I knew at that moment I had just taken the new ranch record.” The hot, muggy morning had taken an unlikely turn of events. “Everyone was caught off guard when I got the buck, but were really happy,” Ryan said. A photo session ensued, and the deer was later measured at 1964⁄8 gross B&C.

REX’S BIG TYPICAL

The Spahn family continued hunting at the ranch over the next few weeks with no sightings of the big typical that Rex was after. Then, as Thanksgiving neared and the weather got cooler, the big buck appeared. “One afternoon Ryan went to check out a blind and the big typical just showed up like he was a regular. Ryan was kind of shocked, but filmed the deer for us to see,” Rex said. Not wanting to waste any time, and optimistic that he could capitalize on the sighting of the buck, Rex was in the blind the

next morning well before daylight. “It was a cool, damp morning and conditions seemed favorable for good deer movement,” Rex recalled. “I could see dark shapes moving about in the road and knew I had several deer out in front of me feeding.” As the morning grew lighter, Rex made a positive identification of one of the deer. It was the big buck he was after. Rex watched as the buck fed about in the road. “It took about 20 minutes for him to clear the other deer and offer a good shot. I was enjoying watching and waiting for the right moment,” Rex said. “He was feeding away from me, and I didn’t have a clear shot until he was about 150 yards away. It was not a difficult shot—a “One and Done” with my custom 7mm SAW (an improved 7mm-08),” Rex said. The giant typical buck was lying in the road where Rex had downed him with one well-placed shot. “After waiting a few minutes, I went over to take a look,” Rex said. “He looked bigger as I walked up to him, and I was in awe when I finally got my hands on him. He was the best buck I’ve ever taken, and the rest of the family joined me as we took photos and admired the deer.” Rex’s trophy was indeed special, and would later measure 1961⁄8 gross B&C. The success of the ranch’s wildlife program was 10 years in the making and it’s hard to imagine what the next 10 years will bring, especially when you consider that the ranch has produced even bigger deer that have died of old age or natural causes. Some outstanding bucks were lost or basically “sacrificed” while building the program. Rex sums it up: “It’s nice to be able to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Moving forward, we’ll obviously be trying to best our ranch record, but we’re also looking forward to ushering in our grandkids as the next generation of hunters—at least, that is the plan!” I told Rex that 196 will be a hard number to beat!

Rex shot his typical buck at 150 yards. “It was not a difficult shot,” he said. “A One and Done.”

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The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters — THE VOICE OF TEXAS HUNTING®

George Andrejko Photos

Desert mule deer are one of the iconic species of the mountains and deserts of the Southwest.

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ule deer in West Texas, through the southern portions of New Mexico, Arizona, and California, and southward into Sonora, Baja California, Chihuahua, Coahuila, and Durango, Mexico, are loosely called “desert mule deer.” Desert mule deer habitat varies from creosote bush or mesquite-dominated Chihuahuan Desert, palo verde-saguaro Sonoran Desert community, to the Joshua Tree studded Mojave Desert. Most mule deer are found in the upper desert grasslands, pinyon-juniper, and chaparral vegetation types below 4,500 feet elevation.

What’s a desert mule deer?

could evolve smaller body size through natural selection because it’s easier for smaller animals to maintain themselves in less productive habitats. Desert mule deer weigh less than their northern counterparts with the largest old desert mulie bucks tipping the scales at a little more than 200 pounds field dressed, compared to Rocky Mountain mule deer often exceeding 300 pounds. Most desert mule deer fawns are born from mid-July through August to take advantage of the summer rainfall period. Through time, natural selection has fine-tuned deer populations everywhere to give birth at the time when most nutrition is on the ground. The rest of the breeding timing and antler cycle then is adjusted to make that happen. The rut is somewhat later in the southern desert habitats. Necks begin to swell in late November or early December, with some rutting in early December and continuing on through early February. The peak of rut is late December and the first week in January.

Deer vary from one portion of their range to another. These variations come about as individuals in local areas adapt to habitat, forage, or climatic conditions. These slight variations in some populations are often labeled as subspecies and there have been more than 11 subspecies named for the black-tailed deer and mule deer complex. Some of these subspecies—like the two blacktail subspecies—are valid, but many others are Desert diets based on descriptions of only a few individuals and have never The annual diet of desert mule deer in general is more than been properly supported with science. There is so much overlap 75% browse (brush species) and the rest is mostly forbs (broadin characteristics among most deer subspecies that no one can develop a list of differences other than vague notions of lighter or darker hair color and descriptions of size. Even though we talk about “Rocky Mountain” and “desert” mule deer, there is no sharp change in physical appearance at any point you might draw a line between them. Genetic analyses I was involved in have looked at differences among black-tailed and mule deer populations throughout their range. Genetically speaking, a lot of overlap exists among the mule deer subspecies, while the Sitka and Columbian black-tailed deer apArtificial water developments pear to be very different. Because are not important to deer of this, more than 11 subspecies throughout the year, but during have been distilled down to five, dry periods they are critical to and desert mule deer didn’t make the survival of desert mule deer. the cut as a scientifically supported subspecies. Regardless, we can leafed weeds) and fruits. Browse plants make up a majority of still use these names, like desert mule deer, to talk informally the diet because they are available in all seasons, even durabout these regional variations. ing droughts when everything on the ground is brown and The desert version crispy. Forbs account for a large portion of the winter-spring Mule deer living in arid, desert environments are usually diet because of the green-up that follows the winter rains. An smaller in skull and body measurements and in overall body important difference between mule deer in the Rocky Mounsize than those living the higher-elevation forested regions. tains and their desert cousins is that winter precipitation in the These differences reflect the nutritional quality of their habiSouthwest comes mostly in the form of rain which creates a tat, with higher-nutrition areas allowing deer to reach much time of great nutrition rather than a snowy wasteland. larger body size. Also, after many generations, a population Shrub fruits and nuts provide a good source of phosphorus

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and browse leaves continue to be attractive and nutritious because they can take advantage of deeper soil moisture than the shallow-rooted forbs. Summer rains in July offer an increase in forbs from the abundant seeds that lie dormant in the soil. During this time, the consumption of browse is supplemented with forbs for as long as they remain available. As the summer’s green forb growth begins to dry up in the fall, deer switch more heavily to protein-rich browse and the fruits of prickly pear, cholla, and barrel cactus.

Desert deer dynamics

and deer. Invasive plant species like Lehmann love grass, red brome, and buffelgrass are not beneficial to desert mule deer because they reduce the natural diversity of native plants and forbs and reduce the amount of nutrition available to deer. Conserving desert mule deer on a meaningful scale seems daunting at times, but hunters, biologists, agency representatives, landowners, and lease holders can work together to maintain good fawning cover, quality nutrition, adequate water distribution, proper harvest, and minimize human disturbance. This can be done successfully if we continue to keep in mind these things that desert mule deer need to thrive.

Tyson Swetnam Photo

Mule deer in the Southwest deserts are rarely overpopulated in relation to their habitat because fawn recruitment is inconsistent from year to year and limited by a lower nutritional level compared to more northern areas. This is why you don’t see doe hunts very often in dry desert mule deer range. Working to improve habitat offers the greatest probability for increasing and maintaining desert mule deer populations, but this is easier said than done because what mule deer need most is nutrition. Nutrition for a productive deer population arrives in the form of rain and is maintained on the landscape through proper management of vegetation. We have little control over rainfall, and have made great improvements in grazing management in recent decades. Chronic overgrazing in dry desert environments removes most of the green cover that’s so crucial for fawning cover and doe nutrition. In some areas, cattle also eat key deer browse plants intensively. Grazing management plan goals have to be balanced with the wildlife goals for each area. The major management challenges in the Southwest include degraded water resources, invasive plant species, and human encroachment. Increasing numbers of humans coming to the Southwest has lowered water tables and altered the distribution of water on the landscape. Some of this change has been positive where we have increased water distribution for cattle

(top) The author’s map details mule deer distribution in the Southwest. (bottom) The Sonoran Desert is surprisingly diverse in high protein shrubs but low annual rainfall means it’s not as productive as most mule deer habitats.

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By Brandon Ray

RONNIE PARSONS A Lone Star bowhunting legend

first met Ronnie Parsons in the fall of 1989. I was a freshman at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. I found my way to the local archery shop, Hunter’s Headquarters, and Parsons walked in the first day I was there. He stuffed an old VHS tape in the TV behind the shop’s counter and reviewed some footage of a stud eight-point he filmed the previous weekend. Parsons and store owner, Doug

Johnson, debated whether the buck was big enough or old enough. The deer looked huge to me. When I eased into the conversation and introduced myself, Parsons asked me something like, “Are you in college for books or to meet girls?” My reply was lame. “Both, I guess.” Over the next 30-plus years, I’ve hunted turkeys, javelinas, deer and pronghorns with Parsons. While I often struggled to find a decent buck to wear

my tag, every year Parsons shot a big one. Most years, hunting in two different counties in the Texas Hill Country, he shot two and sometimes three. An official scorer for the Pope & Young Club (P&Y) since the early 1990s, he knew how to size up a record-class rack on the hoof.

Equipment has changed Parsons shot his first record-class whitetail in November of 1987. He

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Author photos

Ronnie Parsons with the long-range pronghorn from 2008 mentioned in the article. Parsons has arrowed six P&Y pronghorns.

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Ronnie Parsons with a big Texas buck. This buck is from 2009.

rattled that buck in and shot it from an elevated perch in a pecan tree in Tom Green County. The buck’s rack netscored 1267⁄8, just over the 125-inch P&Y minimum. Gear included a Golden Eagle compound bow, full-length Easton aluminum arrows and Thunderhead broadheads. Even pulling 70 pounds, arrow speed was a modest 187 feet per second (fps). Today, Parsons prefers BowTech carbon riser bows, Victory carbon arrows and Rage expandable broadheads. His 65 pound rig shoots 282 fps. He uses a multi pin sight from Spot Hogg and an index finger release aid. He used to hunt out of tripods a lot, but today he prefers permanent box blinds he calls Condos. The blinds are made of plywood with a carpeted floor, roof and offer some protection from the elements.

Big whitetails Long before digital trail cameras, Parsons had a unique way of scouting. He

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would put a video camera on a short tripod at one or two other feeders, then go sit at another location. He would just let the camera run from set up time until he drove back by the blind to pick it up after dark. Back at camp, he would rewind the video and see what was coming in at the other blinds. Armed with that information, he would plan his next sit. That was high-tech surveillance 30 years ago! Parsons has hunted the same low fence, working sheep and cattle ranch for 50 years. He shares that western Hill Country lease with a few other likeminded bowhunters. He has officially entered 34 typical whitetails in P&Y, all from Texas. He has even more racks in the garage waiting to be scored from years past, so the total number of P&Y whitetail entries may top 50. Statistically speaking, Parsons has shot most of those bucks in the afternoons. He believes it’s easier to get in the blind for an afternoon hunt unnoticed by a mature buck versus sneaking in the dark for a morning sit.

Turkeys and pronghorns Texans get four turkey tags on each hunting license. In good years and in areas of the state with prime turkey habitat, it’s very possible to fill all four tags each year. When I asked Parsons how many turkeys he’s shot over the years, he said: “Well, I have about 80 beards, but I lost a bunch years ago. I kept the beards on a shelf in the trailer at the lease. One weekend when I opened the door to the trailer, there were turkey beard hairs all over the floor. Mice got in the trailer, ate the dried meat at the base of each beard and ruined my collection. So, I guess I’ve shot more than 100, but I don’t have all the beards to prove it!” Today, he stores his beards in the freezer. Parsons used to hunt an incredible turkey spot on the Concho River. Thousands of Rio Grande turkeys roosted there in towering pecan trees by the banks of the river. In Parsons words, “At daybreak on a spring morning, the treetops were black with turkeys as far

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Ronnie Parsons with one of many Texas gobblers he has shot over the years. This one is from 2006.

as you could see down the river corridor. The sound of gobbling in the mornings echoed far to the horizon.” There were so many turkeys that frequented his blinds, it would sound like a stampede when the birds would fly down from the roost and run towards a feeder. Parsons was very picky before he would shoot one, waiting for an old bird with a big beard and long spurs. As a result, for many years he won the longest beard turkey contest in a nearby town. Parsons has entered six pronghorns in P&Y. I was with him on most of those hunts. The country we hunted was flat and wide open, so stalking often meant long shots. I remember a buck from 2008. We glassed the lone buck from the road in a patch of cholla cactuses. We agreed the buck was big enough for a stalk, then Parsons made his move. When Parsons reached the outer limits of shooting range, the buck spotted him. I watched Parsons come to full draw and arch an arrow right into the big pronghorn’s chest. The buck ran in a tight circle and dropped. Shot distance was 85 yards! And you could not have

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walked up and put the arrow in a more perfect location. Parson’s pronghorn hunting outfit is always memorable. Every year he wears a camo hat, camo headnet, camo shirt, camo pants and bright white Nike sneakers. A wise man wears comfortable shoes, right? On another August pronghorn hunt, Parsons made a long stalk on a fine buck in the desert. He waited in the slanting shade of a tall cholla cactus. The sun was hot and the target buck was bedded. When the buck finally stood up, Parsons rose to his knees and drew his bow. Just as he was about to shoot, an unseen rattlesnake at the base of the cactus struck the lower limb of his bow. That buck got away! A P&Y elk from Arizona, another elk from Colorado, javelinas, feral hogs, a fox and a couple mule deer bucks are other bowhunting accomplishments for this lifelong Texan. Now 78 years young, Parsons is ready for the upcoming deer season. Drought or no drought, he will be looking for a big buck to wear his tag.

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They Involved Me, and Now I Understand By Mylee Cano

Brigades Photos

attended the 29th Battalion of Rolling Plains Bobwhite Brigade last summer. This camp is a five-day conservation and leadership focused experience, and centers around quail, their habitat needs, and why it’s important to conserve the species. As the future of Texas and America, it is our job to protect our Earth for ourselves and future generations to come. So what exactly did I do at camp? One of the most impactful things we were taught was firearm and hunter safety. At camp we received an entire presentation centered around these things and examples of what happens when these rules aren’t followed. We got to practice shotgun skills and safety, while also getting demonstrations of real-life quail hunting from educated hunters. They took us down a trail set up with decoy animals, giving us each a chance to say whether Texas Brigades builds character and teaches the importance of teamwork and good communication skills in order to navigate real-world challenges. we would take the shot or not. Making us ask ourselves, “Is it safe? Is it legal? Is it ethical?” to ensure we understand proper the motions in a safe and comfortable environment. They had ethics and safety. As hunters, we play an important role in me do PowerPoint presentations and a mock TV interview, wildlife conservation and Texas Brigades is here to make sure among other things to get me comfortable in all different situthe youth understand that, among many other things. ations. They want you to leave camp a changed person. You As a sophomore in high school, things like public speaking never know what opportunities you’ll receive during your life, and presentation skills come in handy, but what happens when and you may need to know how to do these things sooner than you shake uncontrollably and practically break into tears during you’d think. Like Dr. Dale Rollins says, “Opportunity knocks; any presentation? Well, you come to a Texas Brigades camp. who will answer?” They reshaped me from a ball of nerves with In addition to conservation skills, they also taught me how to not much confidence into a capable, confident speaker and present knowledgeably and confidently by putting me through overall better person.

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Brought to you by

Left: Cadets participate in a team-building exercise. Right: Cadets learn the fine points of radio telemetry for tracking quail. The five-day camp packs in a lot of lessons for cadets to absorb.

While at camp I also got to experience multiple hands-on dissections of quail and got taught quail anatomy. The Texas Brigades motto is “Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand,” which they accurately demonstrate throughout the five days of camp. They do this by physically involving each and every cadet in many educational demonstrations. An example: One day we were each given a pile of seeds taken from a quail’s crop—a sack on the quail’s neck used for food storage—and we were told to sort, identify, and then estimate the percentage that each type seed took up in the crop. Another instance would be attaching a transmitter to a quail on the first day. Instructors wrote down the frequency that the transmitter emits and then let the quail go. Then on day three, our covey used radio telemetry to track and capture our quail. We evaluated the environment we found it in and discussed why it wasn’t optimal for quail. In the particular instance of our bird, it was fairly easy to catch our quail because that location lacked escape cover. Another skill I gained at camp was the ability to do interviews. Whether TV or podcast, you never know when an opportunity may arise. That means you must be ready to do these

things and do them in a way that accurately represents what you are trying to learn in the interview. They put us through mock interviews, in podcast and TV form, with experienced interviewers and asked us real questions we should’ve been able to answer. An interview is something that I would never have been able to do if it weren’t for Texas Brigades and their amazing instructors. They taught me how to be confident in myself and the things I know. Texas Brigades has been proven to change people’s lives because of how much experience and knowledge is packed into those five days. Person after person can testify how much it has truly impacted their life. Including me. I know how to not only present confidently, but also knowledgeably. They taught me why conservation of our wildlife and natural resources is so important. They taught me how to not only be a leader, but to know when I need to step back and be a follower. They took boring learning and stressful team building exercises and turned them into something enjoyable and life changing for so many people. I am so thankful for the opportunities and experiences Texas Brigades gave me and I hope to share it with others.

Texas Brigades is a conservation-based leadership organization which organizes wildlife and natural resource-based leadership camps for participants ranging in age from 13-17. Its mission is to educate and empower youths with leadership skills and knowledge in wildlife, fisheries, and land stewardship to become conservation ambassadors for a sustained natural resource legacy. There are multiple camps scheduled in the summers, focusing on different animal species while incorporating leadership development. Summer camps include Rolling Plains and South Texas Bobwhite Brigade, South and North Texas Buckskin Brigade, Bass Brigade, Waterfowl Brigade, Coastal Brigade, and Ranch Brigade. Visit texasbrigades.org or call 210-556-1391 for more information. www.TTHA www. TTHA.com .com

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Cowboy Christmas Delight Courtesy of Chuck Wagon Bill By Ralph Winingham

“J

ust call me Chuck Wagon Bill,” he said as he extended a weathered and calloused hand across the table at Las Cazuelas restaurant in Laredo. The local hangout was an every-afternoon gathering spot for a select few seasoned border town citizens who enjoyed a “mariachi” (the local nickname for breakfast tacos) and cup of coffee while solving all of the world’s problems. “Took that name from my grandpa who worked a few trail drives and cattle

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roundups back in the old days. He was a crackerjack cook. The hands called him ‘Mr. Bill’ to his face and probably a lot of other things behind his back. “He had a special knack for keeping them cowboys filled up with some good grub, but he always seemed to be on the prod – short-tempered as all get out. He took a shine to me and I spent many a day listenin’ to his yarns and learnin’ my way around a cookin’ fire.” Chuck Wagon Bill was a chance encounter down Laredo way one brisk November day when white-tailed deer season had brought visitors to the border town in search of big bucks,

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good food and, engaging (mostly truthful) conversations. My ticket to the center of this universe was courtesy of my late father-in-law, H. Eugene McKendrick. His grandfather had sailed across the big pond from England and traveled to Laredo in the mid-1800s to try his hand at raising cattle. “He used to say that back then the grass was shoulder high and brush or trees were so scarce that a cowboy had to pull up a handful of grass, wrap his reins around it and then bury it in the sand just to keep a horse tied up,’’ Old Gene reminisced. Old Gene – he hated his first name of Horace and always went by Gene – and Chuck Wagon Bill were like two peas in a pod. Their wisdom had been acquired over years of hard labor alongside cowpunchers and ranch hands that had to get tough or die. The subject at hand that afternoon turned to what type of cowboy fare was typically available when lean, rawboned men would spend up to 14 hours a day in the saddle working mule-headed beef. “Them cowboys were always hungry. Never seemed to get enough to eat. They was mostly living on beef, beans, bacon, biscuits and black coffee,” Chuck Wagon Bill said, relating memories shared with him by “Mr. Bill.” “I asked him one time: “Weren’t it hard work keeping up with them cowboy’s growling stomachs? “Hell yes it were hard. If’n it was easy, old women and little kids would do it,’’ he said “Mr. Bill” barked back at him. Chuck Wagon Bill said one particular story his grandfather would share with his kin around the holiday time involved a cowboy delicacy he worked up during a December roundup. “Just happened to have a young calf break a leg a couple days afore Christmas and I jumped on that like a chicken on a June bug to cook up my special treat,” the old man related. “First thing I did was cut up the marrow gut into small chunks and got it to simmering with a handful of bacon grease in my biggest stew pot. (Note: Marrow gut is the connection

between a nursing calf’s two stomachs. Inside the gut is a substance that resembles bone marrow and this helps give the stew its distinctive flavor.) “You got to take time to render out that marrow gut fat or your stew ain’t worth spit. While that were cooking down, I diced up the heart and a couple pounds of neck meat. Then I went to cutting up the kidneys and sweetbreads; skinned out the tongue, chunked it up and throwed it all into the browned marrow gut a bit at a time. “Topped that with a big old, peeled onion all nice and diced; about six or eight peeled and mashed garlic cloves; six or eight dried chili pequins from my pepper stash; and a hefty pinch of salt. “Stirred it all together and cooked that down for about three hours – had to add a ladle or so of water from time to time to keep it from getting too thick – and served it up for dinner with some hot biscuits and a big pot of black coffee.” “Mr. Bill” bragged that the hands gobbled down that concoction with gusto and when one of them finally got up enough courage, he asked what they were eating. “Don’t you mind what I call it, just eat the son of a bitch,’’ the old cook said he told them, always breaking into a broad smile remembering the look on the faces of the chow-happy cowboys. Chuck Wagon Bill pointed out that he doubts if his grandpa was the original cowboy cook to work up a pot of “Son of a Bitch Stew,” but said the old man regularly laid claim to the accomplishment. “Of course, it weren’t a good idea to question “Mr. Bill” about anything to his face, especially if his favorite cooking ladle was close by. Didn’t take much to get him to whack you with that ladle – it smarted quite a bit,’’ Chuck Wagon Bill said. Editor’s note: See Chuck Wagon Bill’s camp bread recipe on page 128.

Chuck Wagon Bill was a chance encounter down Laredo way one brisk November day when whitetailed deer season had brought visitors to the border town in search of big bucks, good food and, engaging (mostly truthful) conversations. My ticket to the center of this universe was courtesy of my late father-in-law, H. Eugene McKendrick. His grandfather had sailed across the big pond from England and traveled to Laredo in the mid-1800s to try his hand at raising cattle.

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Dynamite Lady Duo By Judy Jurek

Trisha Kusenberger photos

risha Hunter Kusenberger inherited her love of hunting from her parents. She’s been enjoying it for nearly 35 years. That love has yet to diminish. “My mom has always found joy in hunting deer and hogs,” Trisha said about her mother, Jackie Hunter. “She loves to hunt, and gets really excited about whatever is out there. She instilled that joy of hunting in me.” Trisha’s dad, Phil, taught her to hunt. She took her first deer with him. “I had bad buck fever! I shot and missed twice before I finally got the spike buck. Since those first misses, I don’t miss anymore,” Trisha said, matter-of-factly. “Dad has patience, talks you through the whole experience, and tries to keep your nerves down. He’s great with novice hunters.” According to Trisha, her mother is not a calm Trisha Kusenberger and her mother Jackie Hunter share a laugh hunter. “When I guided mom on her big B&C buck, in a deer stand on the Charco Marrano Ranch in La Salle County. I could not tell her too soon it was approaching, because I knew she would get extremely excited. My parents most certainly have different hunting styles years. They became best friends, as did their respective sisters, and behaviors,” Trisha said with a laugh. Kristal and Trisha. While in college, Trisha and Glen fell in love Trisha began hunting with a .243, then changed to a .30-06 and later married. before picking up a bow. She now primarily bowhunts, if at all “The joke was the outlaws became the in-laws,” Trisha possible, using a Bow Tech Carbon Rose compound with Monremarked, laughing. Glen and Trisha have three daughters who tech G-5 broadheads. “I love bowhunting big mature bucks,” continue the hunting tradition on the Hunter family’s Charco she said. “It’s a very intense experience being so close to deer Marrano Ranch. and keeping your composure.” Jackie was raised in San Antonio with two younger brothers. Hunting has always been a family experience for the Hunters. She learned to shoot a .22 rifle early but never really hunted For many years they shared a Batesville deer lease with close until she met future husband Phil. “Our first date was a trip to friends Buddy Kusenberger and The Journal’s Executive Editor his deer lease and my first time in a deer blind. I was hooked,” Debbie Keene. Phil and Buddy grew up together as kids, and Jackie recalled. were best friends living in the same neighborhood. “I love rabbit hunting with a .22 for fun, but I’m serious Each couple had a son and daughter. Glen Kusenberger and about whitetails with my .30-06. I have used a 7 Mag. when Travis Hunter played baseball together through their school hunting Mexico but prefer my aught-six,” Jackie said. Her shoot118 | November/December 2023

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green light on what to shoot.” Jackie and Trisha have been featured on the cover of The Journal. They have also had TV shows filmed about their hunts and those of others who visit the ranch. The ladies agreed that filming a hunt is very serious, and that “just hunting” without fanfare is more fun. “There’s so much to be learned in the outdoors—seeing what God created, and how animals live and behave. You never know when you may see armadillos, baby bobcats or quail fluffing in dust.” Trisha reflected a moment before adding, “I’m happy more women are involved in hunting today, and being able to enjoy these things with whoever. It creates tight bonds and life lessons.” Jackie Hunter with her daughter Trisha and the Kusenberger girls: Kailyn (JoJo) Queried about advice, Trisha age 16; Melody (Dodie), 14; and 12-year-old Emelyn (LuLu). said when she was young, her dad would draw pictures to show where ing skills have taken many outstanding whitetails, including to aim for a good kill shot. His peaceful demeanor guiding two Boone and Crockett bucks. her through hunts was key to becoming a skilled shooter. He “One of my most memorable hunts was in Mexico. I was taught Trisha to breathe, slowly sque-sque-squeeze the trigger, crawling on my stomach to get close enough to shoot a great and watch the game fall in the scope. buck, but when we finally got into range my guide advised Jackie wishes she had begun hunting sooner. Her advice to waiting for a bigger one,” she said. “I came home empty others: “Don’t wait too late—try it. You might like it!” She says handed, but it was exciting.” With a laugh, Jackie added, “I’ll the best advice she received from her son while he was guidnever forget that hunt!” ing her: “Just find the shoulder in the scope. Don’t look at the When queried about hunting with others, Jackie replied, buck’s head!” With a chuckle, Jackie said, “That’s good, solid “Trisha is more fun, although many of our hunts have been advice for anyone.” serious due to filming for TV shows. My last non-typical buck All the families spend a lot of time at the ranch. Jackie stated hunt was a funny one. I’m a bit hard of hearing so Trisha, as she has taken some great bucks, but now it’s not so much my guide, created flash cards to keep from talking. As far as about her taking one. “I’d like a drop tine but if I don’t get one, competition, it’s more between Travis and Trisha. They’re both it’s OK. Spending time at the ranch—simply enjoying it and good shots with bow and rifle.” watching the grandkids grow up and hunt—is enough.” Jackie thinks there’s quite a difference hunting today, comThese days Trisha and Glen spend the majority of pared to when Trisha was young. “For years we leased hunting their hunts with their children. “It’s become the most land that had deer limits and who could hunt. I think the kids joyful hunts of all,” Trisha said. were 12 or so before shooting a deer. In 2000 we bought our Jackie and Trisha are a dynamite duo whose Charco Marrano ranch so all our grandkids, four boys and four personalities as well as their individual huntgirls, began hunting at early ages, around age 6.” ing styles and skills complement each other “I shot our first Boone and Crockett buck here on the ranch. and all those around them. Passing huntMy second B&C buck is a non-typical, and Trisha guided me,” Jackie said. “I love hog hunting and it’s great for the kids to do a ing down to future hunters is something lot of hunting. We cull some bucks and does, but Phil gives the they both enjoy together. www.TTHA www. TTHA.com .com

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LIVING THROUGH EL NIÑO By Horace Gore

l Niño is a weather pattern that occurs when the winds along the equator blow east, causing warm weather patterns to come from the Pacific Coast. These conditions often develop into above-average Texas temperatures, rainfall, and flooding. The weather experts say we are in for a super El Niño in 2023-24. In case you don’t remember the Hill Country flood of 1957; El Niño winter of 1976; El Niño of October 1998; or the Blanco flood of 20l5, this treatise may bring back memories. I remember an El Niño that occurred during the 1976 deer season when I was hunting with Ted Clark and Charlie Winkler in South Texas. The season had been wet, and in December, the “bottom fell out” and it rained—and rained, and rained! I had never seen pastures so wet, and mudholes so long. Ted had an old Army Jeep, and the three of us made our way through the hunts in four-wheel drive. Hunting vehicles were stuck in pastures all over South Texas. I didn’t know much about El Niño and La Niña weather patterns when I moved to the Kokernot Ranch in east Gonzales County in 1995. During the next 22 years, I would live on the ranch, and learn a lot about El Niño flooding and La Niña drought. I saw my first ranch flood in October 1995. I went through the house one morning and looked out the windows—nothing

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but flood water. Peach Creek flooded and poured into the Guadalupe River on the ranch, covering timber and pastureland as far as I could see. I would learn more about El Niño flooding in October 1998. After three years on the Kokernot Ranch, I had decided that it was “Heaven for men and dogs.” I paid little attention to the few comments about El Niño on television, and I was as happy as a fat hog. My great-grandson, Ross Chamberlain, visited me in October 1998 and I was getting him into squirrel hunting just before his 10th birthday. The rain started on Thursday, Oct. 16, and continued for three days and nights. Doc Denman, the landowner, called from Gonzales and we talked about the water level. “Watch the gravel road coming to the house,” he said. “If water starts running over the road, pack your things and get out while you can!” Heavy rain fell on Friday evening when Ross and I went to Gonzales for pizza. When we got to town, everything was wet and closed. We turned around and went back on the highway toward the gravel road to the ranch. I hit something metal on the highway that blew out a front tire, and I pulled into a driveway in heavy rain and parked the Explorer. I called Doc Denman on my cell phone, and he came and took us back to the ranch. By Saturday morning, the water was getting very

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Author photos

high as we watched a neighbor’s tractor slowly go under water, as round hay bales floated over the fences. The rain continued, and by noon I knew we would have to leave the ranch. I had an expensive gun collection that I put on the bed, along with anything else I Hay bales, a picnic table and someone’s desk thought might get wet. Of course, I didn’t littered the fence line along the author’s home expect water to get into the house, but I after flood waters receeded. put everything of value up high on tables, dressers, and beds. A quick glance showed called McBride Guns in Austin and reported the situation to Joe water flowing over the entrance road. McBride. We braved the rain and went outside to chain or tie down my “Keep the guns wet,” he said. “Don’t let them dry or they will four-wheeler, wheelbarrow, lawn mowers, and anything else rust. Bring them to me as soon as you can.” We put all of the that might wash away. The John Deere tractor was parked close long guns and pistols in three wet sleeping bags, and I went to to the barn, so I chained it to the iron cattle pens. My three bird Austin. Later, an inspection showed the house furniture was dogs were taken from the pens and put in the pickup hunting ruined. My friends helped me with furniture, and I bought a rig, along with my Lab, “Belle.” Luckily, my Ford Explorer was new refrigerator and deep freeze. Things went back to normal in town with a blown-out tire. in a few weeks after the house was cleaned and dry. Ross and I packed suitcases, and at 3 p.m. on Saturday, we Four deer hunters were in the camp house on the river, and left the ranch for high ground. We stayed at Al Springs’ deer they tried to get out of the flood on Saturday evening. Water camp for two days before Ross’ parents came for him on Monwas about waist deep on the pasture road, and two new vehiday. I fed the dogs on a chain trotline when the rain stopped cles disappeared in the deep water when they ran off the road. at noon. I took the truck and Belle to a high spot on the gravel Jimmy rescued the hunters in his boat and had taken them road overlooking the Kokernot ranch house, which laid in a sea to safety. The two vehicles remained completely submerged of water. for a week. The ranch lost a herd of cattle, and hay bales were A neighbor, Jimmy Turk, came up in his 16-foot Boston scattered everywhere. We retrieved ranch equipment and other Whaler and remarked, “Gore, it’s not good. I passed your house things for weeks. last night (Sunday) about midnight, and water was high on the The records show that fall and winter of ’98 was a severe El windows.” Niño period. The Guadalupe River peaked at 53 feet—24 feet I stayed at Al Springs’ camp all week, and on Saturday, above flood stage. The Peach Creek watershed got 17 inches Jimmy took Dean Davis and me to the ranch house in his boat. of rainfall, as historic flooding occurred all across Gonzales After a week, the flood water was still deep in the yard, and County. Jimmy steered the boat over the yard fence to the doorsteps. We I can tell you from experience that an El Niño can disrupt walked into the mud-slick house to view the flood damage. everything. The experts say that summer, fall and winter of Muddy furniture was scattered everywhere, and I soon found 2023-24 looks to be a severe weather period, and that El Niño all the things I had put on high—guns, cameras, briefcase, could last until March. Wet weather could affect dove, deer, etc.—had been under water. I measured the high-water mark and even spring turkey hunting, so be prepared for “The Boy” in the house at 48 inches. My first thought was the guns, so I if, or when he comes.

The tops of 5-foot posts can be seen along a fence, several days after the flood waters of Peach Creek peaked at 8-feet higher levels.

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121

The following is one of Chuck Wagon Bill’s recipes created as a sweet treat for about 10-15 hungry hands. This is a modern adaption of a South Texas favorite. Feel free to cut down the amount of ingredients by half or quarters if cooking for less hungry groups of campmate compadres. —Ralph Winingham

YOU WILL NEED:

• 5 pounds flour

SWEET PAN DE CAMPO (CAMP BREAD)

• 1 pound lard at room temperature

DIRECTIONS

• 3 tablespoons baking powder

In a large bowl, mix together first four ingredients with your hands until the mixture is crumbly. Mix

• Hefty pinch of salt

in dried fruit. Slowly add milk and water to flour

• 2 cups diced dried apricots or apples

mixture a little at a time, mixing well with your hands until dough is firm enough to be flattened

• 1 can evaporated milk mixed with a can of water

into round loaves about one-quarter to one-half inch thick and about 4-6 inches in diameter (looks like a thick tortilla). Heavily butter the bottom of a large Dutch oven and pre-heat to about 350 degrees. Place two or three loaves (whatever will fit on the bottom of the oven and not be crowded) in the hot butter, cover and cook about five minutes or until loaves are lightly browned on the bottom. Lift the lid and flip each browned loaf to cook the other side another five minutes or so.

Do you have a favorite Wild Game recipe that you would like to share with our readers? If so, please type or print recipe and send to: Texas Trophy Hunters Association, ATTN: Editor 700 E. Sonterra Blvd., Suite 1206 San Antonio, TX 78258 128 | November/December 2023

Set browned loaves off to the side on a warm plate. Repeat with all the loaves, adding more butter to the oven if necessary. Serve warm, sprinkled with cinnamon and granulated sugar (1 part cinnamon to three parts sugar) or fresh honey.

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Fish and game move in search of food in cycles relative to the moon’s location to the Earth. The time spans listed are the prime or major period times to start each day and along each time zone meridian of longitude 75° (Eastern), 90° (Central), 105° (Mountain) and 120° (Pacific). To determine the feeding cycle time for fishing and hunting in the area you plan to fish or hunt, advance the sum of 4 minutes for each degree west and back up 4 minutes for each degree east. The next prime feeding cycle (not listed on the calendar) will be approximately 121⁄2 hours later. There are minor periods that occur between the prime or major periods. The moon’s phases are shown as New, First Quarter (FQ), Full and Last Quarter (LQ). The feeding times are not a cure-all. Weather and other environmental conditions affect wildlife feeding activity.

NOVEMBER 2023 3

2:25P - 7:25P

3:25P - 8:25P

4:25P - 9:25P

4:55A - 9:55A

5:45A - 10:45A

6:25A - 11:25A

7:00A - 12:00P

7:30A - 12:30P

9:10A - 2:10P

19 4:15P - 9:15P

26 10:00A - 3:00P

NEW

8:00 - 1:00P

8:30A - 1:30P

9:55A - 2:55P

10:50A - 3:50P

11:50A - 4:50P

12:50P - 5:50P

2:00P - 7:00P

3:10P - 8:10P

4:45A - 9:45A

5:40A - 10:40A

6:35A - 11:35A

7:25A - 12:25P

11:55A - 4:55P

12:45P - 5:45P

1:30P - 6:30P

FULL

11:00A - 4:00P

8:15 - 1:15P

9:05A - 2:05P

DECEMBER 2023 31 1

2:10P - 7:10P

2:15P - 7:15P

3:00P - 8:00P

3:45P - 8:45P

4:35P - 9:35P

4:55A - 9:55A

5:35A - 10:35A

6:15A - 11:15A

6:55A - 11:55A

7:35A - 12:35P

8:15A - 1:15P

8:55A - 1:55P

9:35A - 2:35P

10:25A - 3:25P

11:25A - 4:25P

12:35P - 5:35P

1:40P - 6:40P

2:40P - 7:40P

3:45P - 8:45P

4:20A - 9:20A

5:20A - 10:20A

6:15A - 11:15A

7:05A - 12:04P

8:00A - 1:00P

8:50A - 1:50P

9:45A - 2:45P

10:40A - 3:40P

11:20A - 4:20P

12:10P - 5:10P

12:50P - 5:50P

1:30P - 6:30P

BEST

NEW

FULL

GOOD

FAIR

POOR

Annual vest pocket books, which show all the major and minor periods, can be ordered by sending a check or money order for $19.95 per book. For shipping and handling, please add $4.95 to an order of 1 to 4 books. Make check or money order payable to Feeding Times. Send to Feeding Times, P.O. Box 2240, Covington, GA 30015. After October 1, please indicate book year in your order. For questions or comments, call 404-373-7151.

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The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters — THE VOICE OF TEXAS HUNTING®

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

Nov 13 FQ

Nov 20 F

Nov 27 LQ

Nov 05 N

Dec 12

Dec 19 F

Dec 26 LQ

Dec 05 November/December 2023 |

129

130 | November/December 2023

LYLE GRIFFITH: whitetail eight-point with 16-inch inside spread taken 12/26/22 in Grimes County. GEAR: Browning 6.5 Creedmore, Leupold Scope. OUTFITTER: Griffith Ranch.

HENRY KUFTIC: whitetail eight-point with 16-inch inside spread taken 12/26/22 in Grimes County. GEAR: Browning 6.5 Creedmoor, Leupold Scope. OUTFITTER: Griffith Ranch.

BRENDON TURNER: whitetail 12-point taken 1/8/23 in McMullen County. GEAR: Savage Arms .243 Axis II XP, Remington Core-Lokt 100-grain ammo, Bushnell scope. OUTFITTER: Jim Huff.

BRAYDEN HUNT: whitetail eight-point taken 12/17/22 in Shackelford County. GEAR: .223 ammo, Nikon P223 scope, AR 15 (Stag Arms). OUTFITTER: family ranch.

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DAVID SCRUGGS: elk with 37-inch inside spread, scoring 4932⁄8 B&C, taken 9/21/21 in Jacksboro, Colorado. GEAR: Browning 7mm Mag., Hornady 162-grain SST ammo, Vortex scope. OUTFITTER: Squaw Mountain Ranch.

ADDIE LOU GRIFFITH: whitetail eightpoint with 14-inch inside spread taken 11/6/22 in Grimes County. GEAR: Browning 6.5 Creedmoor, Leupold Scope. OUTFITTER: Griffith Ranch. EMRIE GRIFFITH: whitetail 10-point with 16-inch inside spread taken 1/15/23 in Grimes County. GEAR: Browning 6.5 Creedmoor, Leupold Scope. OUTFITTER: Griffith Ranch.

HALLE GRIFFITH: whitetail 11-point with 16-inch inside spread taken 11/5/22 in Grimes County. GEAR: Browning 6.5 Creedmoor, Leupold Scope. OUTFITTER: Griffith Ranch.

SEND US YOUR HUNTING PHOTOS! NOTE: Only members of Texas Trophy Hunters Association or immediate family may submit photos. Out of fairness to all members, only one photo of each family member will be accepted each year. Do not paperclip or staple photos as this can damage them. Prints must be no larger than 4x6 inches and printed on photo-quality paper. No photos will be returned. Photos may also be e-mailed to HuntsEnd@ttha.com. If sent by e-mail, please make sure to include all information from the form below and limit your photo size to less than 5MB. Send a separate e-mail for each entry. NO ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED UNLESS THIS FORM IS COMPLETED PROPERLY.

Hunter’s Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Member’s Name (if different): ________________________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________

Please Circle One:

Youth

Adult

Member ID Number: ___________________________

Species Taken: _______________________________ Number of Points: ________________

Date Taken: __________________________ Inside Spread: _______________________ Net or Gross B&C Score (if known): _______________________ Phone Number: (___________)__________________________________

State or County: _________________________

Projectile: _________________________ Sighting System: _________________________ Weapon: ________________________________________

Outfitter: ___________________________________________ Comments: ___________________________________________________________

Send To: Hunt’s End, 700 E. Sonterra Blvd., Suite 1206, San Antonio, TX 78258

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132 | November/December 2023

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[ THE JOURNAL ] VOLUME 48 NUMBER 6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

THE ROUND-UP

Texas Trophy Hunters Association Round-Up ads provide excellent exposure at a minimal cost. For more information on placing your ad in the Round-Up, please contact Debbie Keene at 210-288-9491 or deborah@ttha.com.

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[ THE JOURNAL ] VOLUME 48 NUMBER 6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

ARTICLE INDEX

2023 Journal Article Index

he Journal likes bringing you high-quality articles throughout the year. So, just in case you’ve missed a few, T we’ve made your life a little easier by compiling this handy index of all this year’s articles. We’ve broken it down into three convenient categories. We hope you put it to good use.—TTHA Staff Product Roundup

A LOOK BACK AT THIS YEAR’S JOURNAL ARTICLES Keeping Your Deer Lease, Will Leschper...............................................Nov/Dec-p.34

ATV-UTVs for 2023, John Goodspeed....................................................Jan/Feb-p.74 Crossbows Roundup 2023, John Goodspeed.........................................Mar/Apr-p.74 2023 Compound Bow Roundup, John Goodspeed............................... May/Jun-p.98 New Scopes & Binos for 2023, John Goodspeed................................ July/Aug-p.104 Riflescopes Roundup, John Goodspeed................................................. Sep/Oct-p.75 Predator Calls & Accessories, John Goodspeed....................................Nov/Dec-p.76

Palo Duro Bucks, Brandon Ray.............................................................Nov/Dec-p.46 Winter On The Coast, Will Leschper....................................................Nov/Dec-p.56

Science Plant Wars, Dr. James Kroll....................................................................Jan/Feb-p.18 Predation on Southwestern Mule Deer, Jim Heffelfinger.........................Jan/Feb-p.88 Where Are Deer Management and Hunting Going?, Dr. James Kroll......Mar/Apr-p.18 Wild Turkeys of the Southwest, Jim Heffelfinger....................................Mar/Apr-p.87 A New Type of Hunting Lease, Dr. James Kroll..................................... May/Jun-p.18 Javelina of the Southwest, Jim Heffelfinger......................................... May/Jun-p.110 Building A Family Heritage, Dr. James Kroll...........................................Jul/Aug-p.18 Prehistoric Approach to Hunting, Jim Heffelfinger.................................Jul/Aug-p.60 Conservation Easements, Dr. James Kroll.............................................. Sep/Oct-p.18 Arizona’s Bighorn Sheep, Jim Heffelfinger............................................ Sep/Oct-p.107 Living With Drought, Dr. James Kroll...................................................Nov/Dec-p.18 Mule Deer of the Desert Southwest, Jim Heffelfinger..........................Nov/Dec-p.102

Instructional/Informative Is Texas Deer Hunting Hanging in the Balance?, Horace Gore................Jan/Feb-p.22 After-season Axis, Judy Jurek..................................................................Jan/Feb-p.30 Bass Fishing Tips, Will Leschper............................................................Jan/Feb-p.36 Winter Rams, Brandon Ray.....................................................................Jan/Feb-p.44 Texas Style Duck Hunting, Jason Shipman.............................................Jan/Feb-p.98 Pistols and Predators, Gary Roberson...................................................Jan/Feb-p.107 Drought Turkey, Brandon Ray...............................................................Jan/Feb-p.112 Punching Paper vs. Hide and Hair, Horace Gore...................................Mar/Apr-p.22 Live Bait Makes Fishing (Somewhat) Easier, Will Leschper....................Mar/Apr-p.36 Turkey Time, Brandon Ray....................................................................Mar/Apr-p.44 Turkeys and Trout, Will Leschper..........................................................Mar/Apr-p.54 Bobcats Up Close, Gary Roberson.......................................................Mar/Apr-p.101 Homegrown Whitetails, Brandon Ray..................................................Mar/Apr-p.106 Rio Grande Turkey, Gary Roberson....................................................... May/Jun-p.28 Jetty Fishing Tips, Will Leschper.......................................................... May/Jun-p.34 Panhandle Pork Chops, Brandon Ray................................................... May/Jun-p.42 Women and Their Shotguns, Judy Jurek............................................... May/Jun-p.58 Tips for Hunting Blue Bulls, Will Leschper......................................... May/Jun-p.102 Popular Hunting Cartridges Then and Now, Horace Gore.................. May/Jun-p.122 Alaska Opportunity, Lee Leschper..........................................................Jul/Aug-p.69 Daylight Cougar, Gary Roberson............................................................Jul/Aug-p.91 Drought Pronghorn, Brandon Ray..........................................................Jul/Aug-p.98 Saving Baffin Bay, Will Leschper.............................................................Jul/Aug-p.76 Texas’ Wild Hog Problem, Will Leschper..............................................Jul/Aug-p.118 Trail Cameras Make Good Hunters, Horace Gore.................................Jul/Aug-p.122 Rutting Rams, Brandon Ray..................................................................Jul/Aug-p.126 A Salute to Texas Deer Hunters Part I, Horace Gore............................... Sep/Oct-p.26 Tarpon: The Silver King, Will Leschper................................................. Sep/Oct-p.34 Texas Tops In Whitewings, Judy Jurek................................................... Sep/Oct-p.30 That’s The Worst Hunt I’ve Ever Been On, Gary Roberson..................... Sep/Oct-p.98 Are You Ready?, Brandon Ray.............................................................. Sep/Oct-p.110 A Salute to Texas Deer Hunters Part II, Horace Gore............................Nov/Dec-p.22

134 | November/December 2023

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CLASSIFIED

[ THE JOURNAL ]

VOLUME 48 NUMBER 6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

“MEMBERS ONLY” Benefit!

Don’t forget to use your free classified ad! It’s once per year and you must have an active membership in good standing. Send to:

TTHA Classified 700 E. Sonterra Blvd., Suite 1206, San Antonio, TX 78258 You may fax your ad to (210) 523-8871, Attn: Debbie Keene or e-mail to Deborah@ttha.com. Send your ad in by November 10 to run in the next issue!

FREE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING!

Available to current members of Texas Trophy Hunters Association only! Limit 25 words per ad. Each member may run 1 FREE ad in one issue per year. 25 word ads after FREE issue are $40 each. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT OR REFUSE ANY AD.

BEE COUNTY- 175 Ac. Hunting, ranching, recreational. Beautiful oak & elm trees, native brush and pasture. Water, electricity, and dry creek. Rabe Real Estate, LLC- 361-358-1255. THE PRECISION RIFLE for the serious hunter, because accuracy matters. Check out our rifle options at blackbrushprecisionrifles.com. LUXURY CABINS - Built on your lot in Hill Country area. Starting at $72,000. Visit model in Spicewood Tx. www. Selectcabin.com. Call Dave at 512921-7979. CEDAR CREEK CAMO – Own your own camo company. $30,000… First and Only Cedar Pattern. LETS TALK, Kris 210.772.0803. PRICED TO SELL FAST!!! TRAPPER FOR HIRE. High-fence or no fence. Predator management is crucial for fawn survival. Call Bob 317-3264670 for details. VETERANS CREED OUTDOORS Team Texas. Outdoor Trips for Veterans and First Responders. Find us on Facebook on our page and group. VIC NIXON, REAL ESTATE BROKER for 45 years selling the Texas Hill Country. Ranches, small acreage, homes, STR’s, and other real estate in or around Fredericksburg, TX. Please call Vic Nixon 830-889-2325 or email: vic@nixonrealestate.com. CAPTAIN SCOTT’S ADVENTURES - 956 Glenn Dr., Canyon Lake Texas www.TTHA www. TTHA.com .com

78133. Port O’Connor or Local lakes. Call 830-456-6061 for information or to book your trip. 28 YR. OUTFITTER in search of more land to outfit and hunt in Central TX. Looking for high fence with deer from 150-200”. We are outgrowing ourselves! Will also consider So. TX. Call Dale 325-642-7596 SDWhitetails. com. MAP MY RANCH specializes in developing printed maps for all your outdoor needs. We can create basic boundary maps, or those with customized features - locations of deer blinds, feeders, food plots, ponds, etc. Contact today to get started! www. MapMyRanch.com or 713-302-2028. RUSTY HINGE Ranch offers whitetail, hogs, squirrels, rabbits, coon, fox, duck hunting, fishing. Blinds, treestands, feeders & water yearround. 70 mi. north of Houston. $100/ day or $800/year. 713-823-7139. HELP FEED THE HOMELESS – donate excess game animals to feed the homeless, orphans, and needy families. Go to www.trinityoaks.org “contact us” tab. AFRICAN SAFARI $2,995 3 animals in 1 week. Lodging, meals, open bar, guide, airport transfers and trophy fees included!! Call 956-867-4964 for details. www.matorisafaris.com. WILDLIFE & HABITAT Consulting. Commercial hunts available. Contact Certified Wildlife Biologist

Jason Shipman 210-508-8447 or jasonashipman@gmail.com. THE LONE STAR Bowhunters Association. Preserving and Promoting bow hunting in Texas since 1974. Join today at www. lonestarbowhunter.com. Take a kid hunting. SM FENCING, Welding and Dozing. Net wire, Barbed wire & Game Fencing. Contact Shawn Mangham 325-451-7120. S & D WHITETAILS – Limited hunts avail. Booking 2021 now. All native S TX deer from 140-230 class. Deer & Dove hunts Central TX. Over 7500 ac. 24-yrs experience. 5 Star rating. 325642-7596. TEXAS HUNTER FISH FEEDERS create ‘feeding zones’ that make catching fish fun for the whole family. Project fish feed up to 45ft. into the water to feed fish on a regular basis which helps you grow bigger fish faster. Call 800-969-3337 or www. TexasHunter.com. TEXANS ARCHERY CLUB wants to expand our state’s archery range infrastructure. Looking for local partners/land to expand our network. www.TexasArchery.info 501c3. MEXICO RANCH 8,500 ac. Trophy whitetail, protein program. 4-Day Hunt Pkgs for 2023/2024 Season. All Inclusive – transportation, permits, lodging/meals! 210-379-7510, email jharlan29@gmail.com.

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[ THE JOURNAL ] VOLUME 48 NUMBER 6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

AD INDEX

JOURNAL ADVERTISERS FEATURED ADVERTISERS IN THE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 ISSUE

Atascosa Wildlife Supply........................... 5

Jerry Johnston......................................... 17

TTHA Chapter Spotlight................... 84, 85

Berry Whitetails...................................... 13

Lone Star Ag Credit............................... 105

TTHA Digital Series.......................116, 117

Blackbrush Precision Rifles................... 133

MyPlates................................................ 133

TTHA Gear................................36, 37, 133

Briscoe-Cochina & Catarina Ranches.... 40

National Land Partners........................... 59

TTHA Hunters Extravaganza

Bruton Trailers......................................... 60

Outback Feeders........................... 112, 113

Capital Farm Credit................................ 75

Ranch King Blinds................................ IFC

Case IH Agriculture................................ 25

Remington............................................... 41

Save the Date 2024............................... 93

Charco Marrano Ranch......................... 132

Safe Gun Storage................................... 133

TTHA Jr. Trophy Hunters....................... 73

Christian Outdoor Alliance.................... 70

SCI........................................................... 21

TTHA Membership........................... 64, 65

Classic Chrysler Dodge Jeep Fiat.......8, 9

South Texas Tripods & Feeders............ 133

TTHA Platinum Life

Cuddeback.............................................. 45

Speer Ag.................................................. 79

Membership............................... 109, 123

Dullnig Ranch Sales................................ 74

Spin Tech................................................. 55

TTHA PLM Listing........ 124, 125, 126, 127

Family Tradition Treestands................... 97

Texas Hunter Products............................ 29

TTHA Podcast......................................... 33

G2 Ranch................................................1

Texas State Rifle Association................. 132

TTHA Write A Story............................... 89

Grainger Ranch Recruiting................... 109

The-Remote........................................... 109

U.S. Gold Exchange...............................101

Hornady.................................................. 12

TPWD Gear Up for Game Wardens..... 105

Waypoint TV..........................................3

Jason A. Shipman.................................. 122

TTHA Bucks & BBQ................. 50, 51, 133

West Texas Feeder Supply.............. IBC, BC

136 | November/December 2023

Deer Contest Sponsors......................... 80 TTHA Hunters Extravaganza

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